The J.M. Harry Company was started in 1883 in the 1st block of West Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina as a division of Andrews Music Company. At that time, Mr. John M. Harry was a young man and was head of the Undertaking Division of Andrews Music Company. James R. Bryant, Sr. came to work for Harry in 1924, when the company was located in the 3rd block of North Tryon Street. In 1929, the company moved to 406 North Tryon Street.

In 1933, James became a partner with Harry and the name changed to Harry and Bryant Company. When Harry died in 1943, James became the sole owner of the business. In 1950, James moved the business to its present location at 500 Providence Road. James’s sons joined him in the business—James R. Bryant, Jr. in 1945 and Donald G. Bryant in 1950. James, Sr. died in 1982, but Donald continues to serve as a consultant to the business he helped build. Harry and Bryant Funeral Home is the second oldest continually-operating company in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. Only the Charlotte Observer has operated longer.