William Brient

William James Brient (Bill) was born March 16, 1928 to Charles H. Brient and Dannie Jordan Brient. He was raised on the family ranch on Privilege Creek near Bandera and attended Bandera schools until the family relocated to the Dilley, Texas area. It was there that Bill met the love of his life, Virginia Dewoody. Bill and Virginia (Ginny) were married June 10, 1950 and they made their home in the Highland Hills area of San Antonio where they raised their sons, Robert Daniel Brient (Bob) and James Allen Brient (Jim) and their daughter Brenda Brient Pope. Bill was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.\r\n\r\nBill served in the Air Force and the Air Force Reserves, and worked for the Department of Defense at Kelly AFB. While in the Air Force, he was a C-119 engineer and crew chief. He retired from the Department of Defense where he was an Escape Systems Specialist, managing ejection seats on bombers, attack planes and fighter jets. In 1973, Bill and Ginny purchased land in Bandera and spent their weekends and vacations building the home they would move into in June of 1975. Once in Bandera, Bill quickly became involved in his childhood church, Bandera United Methodist Church, where he served in many leadership roles.Bill was a fixture at the church after retirement, serving on committees, boards, and acting as the "fix it" man. Bill continued his family legacy of carpentry which along with hunting, fishing and camping was a favorite pastime. Bill retired in March of 1983. He and Ginny were fortunate to have many years of traveling together, camping in their beloved travel trailer. They made several trips to disaster areas with a group of Methodist volunteers helping people rebuild their lives and their homes.\r\n\r\nBill was predeceased by his parents, his sisterAnnette Stark, his brothers Charles H. Brient, Jr. and Robert Brient, and his beloved mother-in-law, Kathryn Dewoody. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ginny, sons Bob (Paulette) Brient and Jim (Kathy)Brient, daughter Brenda (Mark) Pope, sister Ellen L. Brient, grandchildren (to whom he was affectionately known as "Pa") Jordan Gibennus, Jared Brient, Whitney Ford, Evan Brient, Alyssa Pope, Alec Pope, eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.\r\n\r\nA memorial service will be held Friday, April 1, 2016 at Bandera United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. \r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Bandera United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.\r\n