Thomas Bryan's Obituary
Thomas “Tom” E. Bryan, Sr. was called home by his Lord on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 after a yearlong battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at First Evangelical Church Friday, March 23rd at 1 p.m. The family will receive visitors prior to the memorial service beginning at 12 p.m. at the church. A graveside burial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Memphis Memorial Park. Born on January 16, 1930 in Memphis, the son of Tom Morris Bryan and Elsie Nixon Bryan, Tom leaves his wife of 61 years, Nancy Carter Bryan; sister, Dorothy J. Nealis (Grant) of Lexington, KY; son, Tom Bryan, Jr. (Stephanie); daughters, Nancy B. Born (Steve) and Susie B. Hall (Stanley); 8 grandchildren, John Bryan of Waynesboro, PA; Andrew Bryan of NYC, NY, Kirk Hall of Benton, AR; Betsy Bryan Anderson of Monticello, AR; Molly Bryan of Salina, KS; Russell Born of Collierville, TN; Sander Bryan of Salina, KS and Chandler Bryan of Salina, KS. Tom was a lifelong Memphian graduating from Central High School in 1948 and attended the University of Tennessee and Memphis State University. Tom’s business career began with his father at the former U.S. Fixture and Scale Company located at 416 South Main Street, later working for United Inns and South Eastern Manufacturers Association where he retired in 2011 with over 60 years in the restaurant equipment and supply industry. Tom was a member of the Al Chymia Shrine where he sang in the Chantors under the direction of Wilson Mount; He also sang in the choir at First Evangelical Church where he and his wife Nancy were active members for 59 years. His love of aviation led him to serve as a Col. In the Confederate Air Force where he was the Wing Leader and in the Civil Air Patrol; He was the pilot for the first flights experienced by each of his children and grandchildren as he shared with them his love for flying. He entertained various groups as a ventriloquist with “JT” his partner. Through the years he was an avid tennis player and weekend golfer but his first love in sports was the University of Memphis Tigers where he was a member of the Highland Hundred. Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who experienced tremendous joy from serving and giving to his family. He directed his interests and volunteered in organizations where is family was active; served as an Assistant Scout Master of Troop 86; volunteered as coach and Booster Club officer in various sports and leagues where his children were active. Above all his family will cherish the Christian values that were exemplified throughout his life as he served is friends, family and his Lord. The family requests memorials to be made to: First Evangelical Church – Missions Fund (735 Ridge Lake Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120)
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