Herman “Bud” Bryant, 81, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Sunday October 2, 2016 in his residence. He was born September 9, 1935 in Shelbyville, Tennessee to the late Herman and Betty Lee (Cole) Bryant. He was retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major with 30 years active duty. He was a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal to name just a few. Bud was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., a 32 Degree Mason and a member of the American Legion Post #31. He was a fine soldier, a wise leader, a good man and a wonderful father and brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Dora Sullins, Mary Morsette ad Carolyn Amos. He is survived by one son, Kenneth Bryant and his wife, Laura of Round rock, TX; four sisters, Nancy Hopkins of Portland, TN, Patsy Tobey of Chester, AR, Judy Potochny of Greenock, PA and Kathe Bryant of Fort Smith; two grandchildren, Krystal Rojas of Olympia, WA and Dustin Bryant of Austin, TX and one great-grandchild, Zephyr Lee Bryant. Funeral service will be 12:00 P.M. Thursday October 6, 2016 at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Chapel with burial in U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith with full military honors and Masonic graveside rites. The Family will visit with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.