Lorenzo Bryant Jr., affectionately known as “Sugar” in San Diego and later as “Zo” in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 65.

 Lorenzo was born February 16, 1961, in Tampa, Florida, to Lorenzo Bryant Sr. and Dorothy Lee Bryant (Holden). In 1968, his family moved t o San Diego, California, where Lorenzo grew up in Southeast San Diego near Market Street. He attended elementary, junior high, and high school i n the area.

 Lorenzo was one of seven children: Gloria Ann Bryant (Colding), Irene Bryant (Davis), Carolyn Delores Bryant, Pemell Bryant, David Bryant Sr., a nd Catherine Ann Bryant (Landree). After graduating from high school, Lorenzo proudly served in the United States Army. Following his honorable military service, he lived in Chicago before eventually settling in Kansas City, Missouri, where he became known as “Zo.”

 No matter whether you knew him as Sugar or Zo, Lorenzo was known for his kind demeanor, listening ear, and willingness to offer advice and encouragement. He was someone family and friends could come to when they needed someone to talk to. Within the Bryant family, Lorenzo often knew what was happening with everyone, and his siblings knew they could confide in him.

 Lorenzo was the father of Lorenzo Bryant III and Melanie Dorothy Lee Bryant. 

Upon hearing of Lorenzo’s passing, those who knew and loved him in Kansas City gathered for a neighborhood barbecue in his honor, a beautiful reminder of how much he meant to those around him. We can only imagine that Lorenzo was smiling down from Heaven, enjoying the aroma of that delicious food.

 Lorenzo was preceded in death by his father, Lorenzo Bryant Sr.; his sister, Carolyn Delores Bryant; and his nephew, Robbie Earl Lewis Jr. Lorenzo will be deeply missed by his children, siblings, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether they called him Sugar or Zo, his memory and the love he shared will remain in their hearts.