William Landis Bryant

William Landis Bryant passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, August 18, 2025, at theage of 89.

He was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Nellie Bryant Landis is survived by his sons, Gregg Bryant and Lanny Bryant (Brooke); former daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bryant; grandsons, Graham Bryant and Kevin Kaiser; and his great-granddaughter, Cora. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carlisle Bryant.

Born on September 19, 1935, in Mullins, South Carolina, to John Bryant and Cornelle Allen Bryant, Landis was raised by his grandparents Lilly and William Allen. During his youth, the family moved to Clarendon, SC, where he quickly became known as a talented athlete,excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. His love for sports carried throughout his life, and he remained a loyal Carolina Tar Heels fan. Landis eventually made his way to Charlotte, NC, where he worked as a butcher for A&P and began building a life of determination and service. One Sunday in 1954, he met a young woman named Nellie Faye Watts at church. Though Nellie’s mother was hesitant at first, their love story was simply meant to be. Two years later, they reconnected at the clothing shop where she worked, and on September 16, 1956, Landis and Nellie married. Together they built a beautifu llife, rooted in love, hard work, and faith.

While serving in the U.S. Army, Landis was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany, for two years, and Nellie joined him overseas. After returning home, they founded Bryant Realty, which would become both a family business and a ministry of sorts. Landis impacted countless lives and careers through his work—mentoring dozens of real estate agents, guiding families through one of life’s biggest decisions, and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.  Landis and Nellie were also avid bowlers, sponsoring many teams through Bryant Realty and traveling across the country for tournaments. Together, they embraced entrepreneurship with ventures ranging from a pool hall to women’s fitness centers, working hard but always finding time to enjoy life. They were enthusiastic hockey fans, faithful attendees of Charlotte Checkers games, and passionate about fishing—a love they passed down to their sons through countless family trips to Atlantic Beach, NC. Their adventures took them across the United States, from Maine to Hawaii to Alaska, and abroad to Spain, Monte Carlo, Canada, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands.

Above all, Landis’s greatest joy was his family. He and Nellie shared an unwavering devotion to one another for over 65 years. After Nellie’s passing, Landis remained faithful in his love for her, visiting her resting place daily. He poured his heart into raising his sons, mentoring them, sharing his passions, and being their lifelong best friend. He was a fierce advocate for his grandson Graham as he navigated the challenges of autism, always sacrificing without hesitation for the well-being of those he loved. The Bryant family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Elizabeth Doe, the Bryants’ longtime caregiver. Elizabeth cared lovingly for Nellie for four years and, when asked in May to help with Landis, she came without hesitation. She and Landis shared a special bond, rooted in faith and friendship, and her care brought him great comfort in his final months. Landis’s family finds peace in knowing that he is now reunited in Glory with Nellie and is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at Tribute and Tallent Funerals and Cremation, 1937 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, on Thursday, August 28 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. The family especially invites you to consider Autism Speaks or Levine Children’s Hospital in Landis’s memory.