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A graduate of Chelsea High School who planned to study meteorology at the University of Oklahoma after completing his degree at the University, Bryant was known to his friends by his affable character.

"He was a very sociable person," said Ryan Flamerich, a friend of Bryant's who attended high school with him. "He was always out and about with people having a good time. He was a really exceptional individual. Anywhere he went he really brightened up the room. This is a terrible loss, not only for UA but also for Chelsea."

Bryant cherished his enrollment at the University before he stepped foot on campus, Flamerich said.

"When we were in high school, he would talk about how excited he was to go to the University of Alabama," he said. "He was on top of the world when he graduated, and all he wanted to do was go to UA."

Fluent in Spanish, Bryant initially chose to major in the language until his fascination with meteorology overtook him.

"He loved weather," said Neil Bryant, Devin's father. "He could have gone to Miami for spring break with his buddies, but he went to Oklahoma instead so he could go there and tour the campus. He wanted to go to graduate school there to get his degree in meteorology."

An avid football fan, Bryant regularly attended high school football games at Chelsea and became to devoted to all things Crimson Tide when he came to the University.

"I'm 54, and I've always watched Crimson Tide football, but by the time he was in school he knew more about Alabama football than I did," his father said. "We just finished packing his apartment stuff, and 99 percent of it had Crimson Tide written on it."

Bryant and his father had their last experience together in a manner that many students can relate to.

"He was passing me on his way home," he said. "He was on his way home that Friday morning and said he needed some money for gas. I guess that's every college student—calling Dad for money."

Bryant left this life with a smile imprinted upon his past, dying as the result of a massive tornado.

"He spent 20 years being happy," his father said. "So we can live with that."

Bryant is survived by his parents, Neil and Andrea Bryant, and his grandmother, Marie Bryant, as well as extended family and close friends.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m. at Hepzibah Baptist in McCalla, Ala. The church can be reached at 205-477-4988. In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make donations to T-Town Paws in Tuscaloosa, a non-profit corporation that promotes animal welfare.

- The Crimson White

TUSCALOOSA Devin A. Bryant, age 20, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. passed away April 20, 2011. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 2008 and was a junior at the University of Alabama. Devin planned to study Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma after gradation.

He is survived by his parents, Neil and Andrea Bryant of Chelsea; grandmother, Marie Bryant of Chelsea; best friend, Kenji Mau and family; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

His memorial service will be at Hepzibah Baptist Church, 20512 Hepzibah Church Road, McCalla, AL 35111, (205) 477-4988, Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 1 p.m. with Cahaba Memorial Funeral directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to T-Town Paws, an animal welfare and pet rescue organization, in Tuscaloosa. Envelopes will be available at the memorial service and can also be mailed to T-Town Paws, 1108 38th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Published in Tuscaloosa News from April 28 to April 29, 2011

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