‘It’s heartbreaking’: Batesville mourning death of business owner, wife in plane crash

BATESVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) – A prominent Batesville businessman and his wife are being remembered as “perfect models” of citizenship.

Joseph Steve Bryant and his wife, Sharon, died Sunday, May 12, when their plane crashed in a field near Marianna in Lee County.

According to Arkansas State Police, the couple was on their way home from Florida when their plane crashed.

Bryant, who was an Arkansas State University graduate, owned Bryant’s Pharmacy & Health Care, 2000 Harrison St., for nearly 40 years.

“We are just extremely saddened and devastated,” Mayor Rick Elumbaugh said of the Bryants’ passing. “He was such a community-minded individual.”

Elumbaugh said Bryant spearheaded the Sara Low Memorial Dog Park, honoring a Batesville woman who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“He raised over $100,000 and put several thousands of dollars of his own money into it,” Elumbaugh said, adding that Joseph Bryant and his wife were model citizens of someone taking pride in their hometown.

“He was just a good friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to [their] two daughters and family,” the mayor said. “It’s heartbreaking.”

Wesley McClure, manager of Bryant’s Pharmacy, assured customers the business would remain open.

“Steve would want us to keep it open for visitors and patients,” McClure told K8 News.

According to Arkansas State University, Bryant graduated in 1973 with a degree in business and a minor in pre-pharmacy. He graduated pharmacy school in 1975.

While a student at A-State, Bryant lettered as a defensive end and was part of the 1970 ASU football team that went undefeated with an 11-0 record. The team went on to win the Pecan Bowl that year over Central Missouri.

In 2009, Bryant donated $150,000 to Red Wolves Athletics. The head football coach’s suite was named in honor of the Bryant family.

According to A-State, the couple married in 1973. Sharon Bryant was a 1969 Benton High School graduate and earned her degree in mathematics with a minor in English. They had two daughters, Monica and Mallory.

Funeral arrangements are still pending.

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