JT BryantMerritt IslandJoel Thomas (JT) Bryant, 83 of Merritt Island, Florida, died on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Wuesthoff Medical Center in Rockledge, Florida.   He was born on February 2, 1934 in St. Joe, Texas and spent his childhood years in Oklahoma and his home town of Tularosa, New Mexico.   He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War era and stationed in Alaska.   Following his military service, JT began his professional career with Lockheed Missiles and Space (LM&S) at White Sands, New Mexico where he met and married the love of this life, Janiece Hemphill.   Soon after starting their life together, LM&S transferred JT to the Florida Space Coast, and the couple packed up their young family and moved to Cocoa, Florida where JT enjoyed a successful 35-year career with LM&S, retiring in 1992 as the Director of Business for the LM&S Florida Missile Test Facility.   JT was a leader not only at work, but also in his personal life. He served as a Deacon in his church and led the construction of his family's home, deploying a network of friends and family to complete the project.  During his retirement years, JT was an avid investor and stock analyst and he and his wife traveled frequently, pursuing their goal to visit landmark mountain ranges from Alaska to the Norwegian Fjords.  JT is survived by his wife, Janiece Bryant; three daughters, Julie Nelson, Jana Bryant and Joy Bryant; four grandchildren, Chanda DiPerna, Shereen Luchten, Sondra Meyer, and Chad Bryant; five great grandchildren, Emoree Luchten, Evan DiPerna, Rylee DiPerna, Austin Bryant and William Greyson Meyer; his sister, Norma Jean Bryant and his cousin, Mary Louise McGuire.  His proudest moments were celebrating the accomplishments of his family, and he was always the one everyone went to for advice and counsel.   A special person, JT was serious when he needed to be, but loved to have fun with his family and friends, especially the kids. He will be greatly missed.  A Visitation will be held from 10-11am on Wednesday, June 7 in the chapel at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island followed by a funeral service at 11am. Interment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens.