The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

W.R. Bryan, 73, of Orange, TX passed away at Harbor House Hospice on Sunday, October 20, 2013.

He was born in Birthright, TX on November 9, 1939 to Lacy and Edith Bryan. His family moved to Orange during WWII to work in the shipyards. He graduated from West Orange High School in 1958. He began working at age 8 shining shoes in his Uncle R.J. Bryan’s barber shop. At age 13 he ran a service station on Simmons Drive in Orange. He was an industrial painter for many years before purchasing the family business. His businesses included: Bryan & Bryan Paint Center, Bryan & Bryan Construction Company, Coastal Technicians, and Myra’s Creative Arts. He is also a partner in Tuffy’s Catering.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. His greatest joy was spending time with his kids and grandkids. Per his request his body was donated to scientific research.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister, Cheryl Ann Brister.

W.R. is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Bryan, son Billy Bryan and friend Jennifer Donnell of Buna, TX, two daughters, Edie Edwards and husband Mark of Whitehouse, TX, and Peggy Talmadge and husband Ross of Buna, TX, nine grandchildren: Blake Bryan and wife Lindsey of Conroe, TX, Josh Bryan and friend Katrina Kielman of Dickinson, TX, Amber Steltz and husband Brandon of New Bern, NC, Shayla Bryan of Buna, TX, Tiffany Baker and husband Colby of Beaumont, TX, Ben Edwards and wife Brandi of Denver, CO, Jennifer Parker and husband Jason of Buna, TX, Jessica Talmadge of Buna, TX and Jake Talmage and wife Courtney of Buna, TX, and his six great-grandchildren: Jasper Bryan, Kenslee Blackwell, Alexis Worthy, Kyndall Baker, Harley Parker, and Jabe Parker.

He is also survived by one brother, Ike Bryan of Sanger, CA and two sisters, Geneva Miller of Hot Springs, AR and Nancy Wilson of Talco, TX.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Catering Building at 10861 Hwy 62N, in Mauriceville, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.