William R. Bryant "Bill"

William R. Bryant was released from the bonds of this world on July 9, 2026, with loved ones at his side.

Bill, also affectionately known as “Mr. Miyagi,” was born on September 18, 1956, in Queens, New York, to Willie Bryant and Sumiko Kurosaki. He resided in Levittown, New York, where he worked on F-14s at Grumman Aircraft and pursued his passion for auto racing alongside his friends Mark, Paul, and Franny.

Bill moved to New Jersey after meeting the love of his life, Donna, and became a stepfather to Richard, Rachel, and Rosalie. Although, if you asked him where he was from—even after 38 years in New Jersey—he was still from Long Island! He was always up for a prank and loved spending time with the kids, teaching them a few bad habits while wholeheartedly supporting all of their endeavors.

He enjoyed riding his ATV with Richard and “the guys,” as well as going “mudding” with friends from the auto repair shop he owned. Many late nights found him working on a monster truck, motorcycle, or race car project with those same friends.

Bill was always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His talent for diagnosing car trouble became legendary and earned him the trust of his customers. Over the years, many of those customers—and their families—became cherished friends, including numerous members of the Cherry Hill Police Department. Countless customers’ children grew up visiting the shop and now return with children of their own.

In his neighborhood, Bill became the go-to person for questions on just about any subject. After a snowstorm, he was always the first one outside, clearing his neighbors’ sidewalks and driveways. His passion for barbecuing led to many lengthy discussions about his grilling techniques. Then again, let’s be honest—Bill could talk about almost anything for hours.

Family was always a priority for Bill, and he never hesitated when someone needed him. He served as the photographer at family parties and weddings, although he somehow forgot to turn on the video camera at two of them! At every celebration, you could count on him to make sure there was plenty of ice for the beverages—wink, wink. He loved being surrounded by family and friends and never wanted the party to end; he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love him.

In the infamous words of the legendary Mr. Miyagi: “Whateva!”

Bill is survived by his devoted fiancée, Donna Crowe; his stepchildren, Richard (Melissa), Rachel (Jeff), and Rosalie (Jordan); and his step-grandchildren, Addison, James, Jeffrey, and Luca.

He is additionally survived by his father, Willie Bryant (Amy); his brother, Walter; his nieces, Desiree (Greg), Samantha (Justin), Torii, Miko, and Ashley; his nephews, Robert and William; and his great-niece and great-nephew, Fiona and Cody.

He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Sumiko; his brother and best friend, Rick; family members Louis Ruvo and Deborah Spinelli; and his good friend Dale.

Bill leaves an unfillable void in the lives of numerous loving family members, including Jessica, Jasinna, Isaac, Dominic, Julian and Alexia; Louis, Camille, Lorenzo and Catarina; Samantha, Jerrod; Tina, Michael; Trisha; Maddie; Audrey; Julia; Olivia and Jake; Christine; Tim; Noelle and Mia; Sandy and Kathie; Hedy and Michael; and friends-Brent; Dina; Bob; Beth; Rob and family; Bobby and family; Sean and family; Jovian and Lexi; Chad; Eileen; Mandy; Jordon; Toni; Bill; Kathy; John and family; Robbie and family; Sondra and family; James; Mike; Jen and family; Maryanne; Mark; Paul; and Franny.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Young Ki Hong, MD, MPH, FACS, FSSO, Dr. Anil Syal, MD, and Lawton Alee, PA-C, at MD Anderson. They are exceptional examples of compassionate health care providers and showed Bill genuine kindness throughout his treatment.

Visitation for Mr. Miyagi will be held on July 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., under the direction of Burns Funeral Home, at Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union Street, Burlington, NJ 08016.

“YOU CAN’T WAIT UNTIL LIFE’S NOT HARD ANYMORE BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO BE HAPPY” Jane Marczewski

Those wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider:

Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge 6 Sawmill Road Medford, NJ 08055

or

The Nightbirde Foundation P.O. Box 397 Granville, OH 43023