Melvin “Fairley” Bryant, age 80 of Elizabethtown, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown. He was born in Bonnieville, KY on June 11, 1946. He was of the Baptist faith and attended services at Calvary Baptist Church in Bonnieville. He was a route salesman for Little Debbie Cakes for 37 years. He enjoyed reading, camping, and porch sitting with Peanut. In his younger years, he was always playing softball. He was a wonderful husband, father, papaw, and poppy as he was affectionately known.

He is the son of the late Melvin Bryant and the late Lena Smith Bryant.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Browning.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kay Tucker Bryant; his daughter, Rhonda Benningfield (Charles “Tick”) Magnolia, KY; two sons, Troy Bryant (Cheryl), Magnolia, KY, and Jarrod Bryant (Lynzi) Bowling Green, KY; eight grandchildren, Jeanie Shivley, B.J. Srygler (Jessica), Jasmine Moss (Josh), Daniel Bryant (Mallory), Mariah Walters (Tanner), Lyrik Bryant, Damien Bryant, and Rory Bryant; 16 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Fonda Smith, Munfordville, KY; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

The family will welcome the public from 2:00- 8:00 PM CT on Friday, September 4, 2026 and again from 8:00- 11:00 AM CT on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Brooks Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM CT on Saturday, September 5, 2025 at Brooks Funeral Home with Bro. Glenn Routt and Don Preston officiating. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery, Bonnieville, KY.