Bobby Joe Bryant

Bobby Joe Bryant, 82 of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday May 7, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Joe was born August 16, 1942, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the son of Arvil and Bessie Hill Bryant. He attended Poplar Bluff High School.  At a young age, he began as a shoeshine boy on the street. At age 14, he began working as a shine boy for Hays Shoe Shop. He worked under an apprenticeship to be a shoe-repairman under Mr. Alvie Hays. He married Carol Dunlap on February 20, 1965. Joe and Carol started Joe’s Fashion Footwear in January 1967 in Poplar Bluff, serving customers and the community for thirty years. In September 1967 he was added to the National Register of Orthopedic Shoe Servicemen. He was recognized nationally as having satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements necessary to entitle him to fill doctors' prescriptions concerning corrective footwear. At the time, he was one of six in Missouri to possess this designation. He was also active in various business ventures. Carol passed away June 27, 2013.

Joe was an active member of Palace of Praise Church of God, serving on the greeters' ministry. Joe was active in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association serving as its President. Joe also volunteered with Gideons International. Previously, Joe and his family attended First Church of God in Poplar Bluff. Joe was a member of Poplar Bluff #209 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and was a previous member of Moolah Shriners St. Louis. He was a Shrine clown and entertained children especially during the Shrine Circus and in parades.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Gamble (Dennis) of Jefferson City, Missouri; one son Todd Bryant (Paula) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; one grandson, Ben Bryant; one sister, Martha Simpson of Eufaula, Alabama; several nieces, nephews; and other family members and close friends.

Graveside services will be Monday May 12, 2025 at City Cemetery, Poplar Bluff with Bro. Dennis Gamble officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. Poplar Bluff #209 A.F. & A.M will conduct a brief Masonic Service at 1:30 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Steve Sullivan, Jeff Dunlap, David Dunlap, James Luck, Darren Dunlap, Darrell Dunlap and Ben Bryant.

Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Smothers, Dr. Rolin Duncan, members of the greeters' team at Palace of Praise, members of Poplar Bluff #209 A.F. & A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital – St. Louis, Masonic Home of Missouri.

Arrangements and services are under the direction and care of Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home, Poplar Bluff.