Thirty-seven years ago, a 15-year-old high school student was offered the opportunity of what would become a lifetime. Max Bryant, under the supervision of Coach Stan Killough, accepted a job at a local funeral home. Over the course of the next few years, Max learned from those he considered experts in the trade from Bainbridge to Canton. Honing his skills and developing his gifts came with heartache as he served families of friends and neighbors, and even his own family. It was then a dream was born.
Max knew his calling was to serve others during one of their most vulnerable moments in life. He worked in Bainbridge, Canton, Donalsonville, Moultrie, and Tallahassee while in school and beginning his career in funeral service. He found his gift was hospitality and meeting people right where they are in their time of need. In the embalming room, his practices exceed industry standards as he treats every person as his loved one. Knowing the importance of saying “good-bye” led him down a path of excellence in restorative arts. Max has often said, “This is my ministry.” Families he served remark: “You helped carry my burden when I couldn’t.” “You made this difficult thing much easier to handle.” “You thought of things I didn’t and just took care of them.” “You made us feel like family.”
In July of 2021, the dreams of Killough’s student came to fruition. Being voted Best of Bainbridge Funeral Home in The Post-Searchlight’s 2022 Reader’s Choice campaign was humbling. Today, Bryant Funeral Home, the dream of a hometown boy, is honored to be named 2022 Best of Georgia Funeral Home by the Georgia Business Journal. Max Bryant says, “Work hard. Serve families. Love people.” And never give up on your dreams.
