Bryan Smiley Hartnett, 80, of Hondo, Texas, went to be with the Lord Saturday morning, Oct. 18, 2025, while surrounded by family.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, William Bryan and Mattie Rachel Smiley Hartnett, and his beloved sisters, Martha and Helen.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry; brother, Bob; children, William (Regina), Lindsay (Jesse) and Laci (Paul); grandchildren: Jessie, Addie, Austyn, Kaysen, Kellyn, Edyn, Axyl and OnaJay; one great-grandchild, Smiley Hartnett; and many nephews, nieces and cousins, with all of whom he kept in close touch.

Bryan graduated from Sam Houston State University and immediately started his 35-year career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He served in many different areas of expertise. His career started in construction in the Huntsville area, then field force horseback, and he moved up the ranks, lived on several prison farms, and ended his career as Warden at the Torres Unit in Hondo. For years he traveled to state units to teach policies and procedures to employees. He received many recognitions during his tenure.

After retiring, he completed Real Estate School and joined a team for two years. An opportunity came for a position to sell vehicles and he changed professions. Along with vehicle sales, he contracted with Hondo ISD as an aide, then as a fulltime substitute for Hondo High School and taught for more than 12 years. Bryan then started a job that he enjoyed and loved for many years—delivering vehicles for North Park Chevrolet. He traveled long hours all across Texas, doing what he loved most—just driving. This became his passion—to drive, deliver, tell a story or two and then head home. The friends he met along the way were countless.

He was an active member of Hondo Methodist Church for 30-plus years. He also served his adopted community in many ways, including as Hondo Chamber of Commerce director, Emergency Services District director, and as  a member of the Hondo Masonic Lodge. All who knew Bryan will remember his warm smile and that he always had a story and a laugh to share.

After Bryan's Walk to Emmaus (#917), he served as a Pilgrim to many Kairos walks, sharing his experiences, his love of the Lord, and his strong faith. One accomplishment, of which he was most proud, was having organized and introduced the very first Kairos Walk for Christ inside the gates of the Torres Unit, many other Walks followed. He truly believed that if just one person could be saved and rescued, then God's work had been done.

Bryan loved his Lord, his family and his friends. He was a loving husband, daddy and granddaddy. Sitting in his recliner, having one or two grandchildren crawl on his lap and just talk, was how he loved to spend his weekends—to him there was no other activity more important.

He was a kind and gentle man with a heart as big as the world, his leadership was strong and his advice was as solid as a rock. He lead a very satisfying and gratifying life. He left memories to keep and share forever and he will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Bryan's life will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Hondo Methodist Church. Visitation and fellowship will follow. As a reflection of his calm and steadfast spirit and to honor his life, guests are invited to wear shades of purple, his favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hondo Methodist Church or the church of your choice. If you would like to express condolences or share a memory, please do so.

GUINN-HORGER