Paul Christian Bryant, 57, beloved husband, father, and brother passed away August 12, 2025 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Chris was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 18, 1968. He was the only son of Homer W. Bryant and Frances Barrie Bryant. He grew up with his sisters, Laura and Carrie, in North Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated from R.B. Stall High School in 1987.

Immediately upon graduation from high school, he joined the US Navy and served his country for four years. When Chris returned to South Carolina, he was employed by the Old Towne Carriage Company in Charleston as a tour guide sharing his love of the area, its rich history, and his wit with tourists from all over the world.  He was later employed by the  South Carolina Waterfowl Association, building and installing duck boxes all over the Lowcountry.  However, Chris’s call to service was strong, and he reenlisted in the Navy in 1996. 

He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Excelsior College in 2012. 

Chris was iconic in every way. One of the most decorated submarine sailors of our time, he earned multiple Legions of Merit and Presidential Citations during an illustrious career. Chris pushed every boundary in the service of our Nation. He dove to the deepest parts of the sea, conducted missions we will never know about, and led people with great drive and compassion. 

Following his Naval career, Chris served the Virginia Beach Police Department for nearly a decade where he was recognized for heroism on multiple occasions and awarded the Medal of Valor and Silver Cross Medals for his life saving actions.  Service to a higher cause was in his DNA.

In 2021, Chris joined the Blue Tide Marine family, and his impact was immense from day one.  Bringing decades of special mission experience, he professionalized how we approached technical systems and was invaluable in the execution of multiple classified missions while serving with BTM through 2023.  His sarcasm and wit got his team through some really hard days and the legacy he leaves behind will get them through many more, including this one. 

Chris’s love of the outdoors began at a young age. Chris enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. Chris and his Dad shared a love of old cars, especially MGs.  His love and passion for these activities were easily passed on to his son Grady, born May 2001.

Chris will be missed, and those who knew him and loved him are in our hearts.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Homer Winfred Bryant and Frances Barrie Bryant.

Chris is survived by his wife, Lisa Powers Bryant; his son, Grady Forrester Bryant; his stepsons Joshua Nicholas Powers (Marion), Seth Patrick Powers, his step-grandchildren Lacey Bay Powers and Bowen Henry Powers; his sisters Laura Revere Bryant and Kathryn Carrie Edwards (Harold); along with his nephews Turner Ashby Edwards (Sara), Samuel Cooper Edwards, Thomas Logan Edwards, Wade Hampton Edwards; and 2 great-nephews, William Marshal Edwards and Henry Wallace Edwards.

Services will be held on Friday, Sept 5, 10:00am at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.