David Lawrence “D.J.” Bryant III

David Lawrence “D.J.” Bryant III, 26, Richmond. On July 26, 1995, a beautiful baby boy was brought into this world by David Bryant and Christina Henry. He was given the name David Lawrence Bryant III. The second he was born, David was a ray of light. He never cried, no matter how sick he was or if he didn’t get his way. David always smiled. Even when he was hospitalized at three months old for RSV, there was always a smile on his face. David had the ability to adjust to bad situations and make them good. For example, one time his brother and he were grounded from their toys and were told to do something creative. So, they got a pad of paper, drew soldiers, cut them out, and played army with them. This played a role later in his short life.

David always saw the silver lining in everything. He never thought of someone as a bad person, just a person who needed help. David also never gave up on anyone, and there was never a one last chance. He was able to draw out the best in everyone and every situation. When David developed some medical issues in his mid-teens, he just brushed them off. They were nothing, and they weren’t going to stop him from reaching his goals.

Then on February 9, 2017, the greatest day of David’s life happened. His son, David Lawrence Bryant IV, was born. The smile on his face was equivalent to every smile combined up to that point in his life. At that moment, he was no longer D.J. He was Daddy! Being a father came easy to him because he’d been a father figure to his friends and family. David looked out for everyone and put himself secondary. There are a bunch of pictures and videos of D.J. and his son that everyone has seen, but they don’t do justice to their relationship. They were together every second, it’s just how the two of them were. His son was his world. Then, a couple of years ago, David began having epileptic seizures. This tortured him, not because he was worried about his health, but because it took away his freedom to do things with his son. As always, he adapted and realized it wasn’t about going and taking Dee places, but about just being together. It was so enjoyable watching the two of them be together.

Unfortunately, on the morning of January 15, 2022, David left this world. We lost an amazing son, a kind grandson, a wonderful brother, a caring family member, the best friend anyone could have, the biggest Los Angeles Rams fan, and, most important of all, “The Greatest Daddy Ever”.

Visitation for David Lawrence “D.J.” Bryant III will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. Burial will be in Abington Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.