Solomon Bryant, Jr., 83, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, April  27, 2025 at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital.

Solomon Bryant, Jr. was born on January 24, 1942, in Jasper County, South Carolina, to the late Solomon and Maggie Bryant. The family later relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before finally settling in Newark, New Jersey.

Solomon attended the Newark public school system and attended South Side High School. Solomon formed a marital union with the late Elsie Osborne in 1965, which resulted in the birth of two children. As a widower, he later fathered two more children through relationships with Darryal Samuel and Gloria Brown. In 2015, he married the late Rebecca Irving. Over time, his children moved him closer to them in Florida.

In his younger years, Solomon worked multiple jobs, but he received his training as a metal sheet operator with Remco Toy Company and eventually retired from Bell Atlantic/Verizon, where he served as a supervisor for many years.

In 1977, Solomon purchased a home at 42 Alexander Street in Newark, where he welcomed everyone in the community, earning the affectionate title of "neighborhood dad."

In 1982, he became the first millionaire in his family, thanks to lottery winnings. This financial blessing only amplified his generosity, allowing him to support family, friends, and the community even more. Known for his sociable nature, he enjoyed bowling and playing volleyball, even creating a local bowling league for neighborhood youth and organizing weekly volleyball games with family and friends.

A man of great generosity, Solomon frequently hosted neighborhood cookouts, bus rides, and various events that brought families and the community together. He had a deep appreciation for old-school music and admired beautiful women. Later in life, despite experiencing a total loss of sight, he remained active in events at the Center for the Blind.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Leroy Bryant (wife Thelma); grandson, Kyle.
Solomon leaves behind his sister, Claire Bryant of Newark, NJ, his four children, Kevin (Isaac) Bryant, Kim Bryant, De'Andre Samuel, and Kelly Bryant; three grandchildren, Kevon, Kahari, Kanya; two great-grandchildren, Kyla and Reign Kior; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends, including his friend for over 70 years, Lawerance (Mousy) White.