William "Bill" Bryan, 65, died Monday, November 12, 2012, in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Downtown Jackson, Mississippi from 4 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 16, with visitation from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm and services beginning at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Jackson. A burial service, following the ceremony, will take place at Wright & Ferguson in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Mr. Bryan was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Clyde C. Bryan, in 2000. He is survived by his mother, Josephine Scruggs Bryan, of Jackson, Mississippi; his three children, Marcy Croft Vick and her husband, Aaron, of Madison, Mississippi, Tracy Rhinewalt and her husband, Michael, of Madison, Mississippi, and William Chase Bryan and his wife, Jordan, of Madison, Mississippi; his four grandchildren, Caroline Croft, Emerson Rhinewalt, Noah Vick, and Ava Croft, all of Madison, Mississippi; his sister, Becky Bryan Allen, and her husband, Charles, of Carrollton, Georgia; his nephew, Chris Allen, and his wife, Julie, and family of Rome, Georgia; and, his bride-to-be, Betty Bridewell, and her two sons, Charlie and Burke, of Brandon, Mississippi.
Mr. Bryan was born November 1, 1947 in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Hattiesburg High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi having earned both his B.A. and M.B.A. from the school.
Mr. Bryan and his family founded Bryan Tours of Jackson, Mississippi in 1964. He began his professional career at the age of 21 as one of the youngest college professors in the country serving as a full time faculty member at Carson Newman College in Tennessee. After moving to Jackson, Mississippi and taking over the family business, Mr. Bryan worked as a travel executive for over 40 years. He had the privilege of travelling to over 100 countries during his lifetime and also served as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Mississippi World Trade Center. In addition to his work in travel, Mr. Bryan was an instructor in the Aspire Program at Belhaven College teaching international business, economics, and marketing.
He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Jackson, where he served as a Deacon and a member of the choir. He was also an avid supporter of the Mississippi Baptist Children's Village and sponsored mission trips throughout the world. Mr. Bryan, as his father before him, leaves behind a legacy of memories and stories from his 40 plus years of travel - some humorous, some adventurous, and some were even rather risky. He was, indeed, a great man who will be loved and missed by his many friends, employees, colleagues, and family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 3, 2012
Ann Bryant Whittemore
Becky and Mrs. Bryan: I was so sad to hear of Billy's death. I guess the last time I saw him was at Becky's New Year's Eve wedding years ago. I'll always think of him as a little boy. I remember when we were all Sunbeams at the old FBC in Hattiesburg. My mother, Frances Bryant, was the leader. We met on the first floor of that old church. Dr. Bryan came in one day and asked, "How are all the Sunbeams? Whoops, there go two out the window!" The two diving for freedom were Billy Bryan and my brother, Tommy Bryant. Sweet memories. God comfort you and yours. Dr. Bryan baptised my brothers and me and conducted the funerals of my grandfather, E. Wheeler Bryant, and my father, Giles W. Bryant. Lots of connections with the Bryans. All of my best, Ann Bryant Whittemore
November 23, 2012
Aurora S
I was one of his students at Belhaven. He was my favorite teacher. He was open minded, kind, respectful and considerate. He encouraged students to not be judgmental of others. He would captivate us with stories from his business and experience. The best part was that his stories were not just entertaining, they were very useful and practical in the business world. His class was not easy, but it was a wonderful experience. When teaching he would throw in stories about his family, and he spoke about them with great love, especially for his mother. I learned a lot in his class. He was so personable and friendly. I'm very saddened by his passing. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.
November 20, 2012
Georgiana Rizk
Billy's passing makes me even more grateful for the opportunity of visiting with him at our last high school reunion in 2010. My fondest memories, however, are growing up with him at First Baptist Church, along with David Berry & Johnny McCann. His father conducted my mother's funeral in 1969, when she unexpectedly passed away. I'll always remember Billy with a smile on his face, a friendly greeting and an ability to make you feel special during each & every conversation with him. I was so shocked to learn of his passing, the first of our classmates to leave this life with whom I shared a long & rich history. My heart is heavy with the knowledge that he's already left this earth. Please know there are so many of us from high school & church that are thinking of & praying for all of you at this painful time. He was truly a good man in every sense of the word. He touched so many lives & his spirit lives on. My deepest condolences to his family and bride-to-be for this untimely loss.
November 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family....i grew up at FBC Hattiesburg....at one time.....Dr. Clyde Bryan was our pastor....I remember Bill Bryan fondly. My parents were William E. and Annie Laurie McInnis. Sincerely, Ann McInnis McMullan
November 18, 2012
Bill was a special person who we truly enjoyed while living in Mississippi. He will be missed. Kristy & Don Frame
November 16, 2012
Jan Levy Mattiace
I was shocked and saddened to read about Bill's passing. He was an advertising client of mine for many years and became a good friend. He was always so kind and interesting, and I enjoyed running into him periodically. I will miss his presence on this earth. I am terribly sorry for your loss.
November 16, 2012
David Berry
Bill was one of my best friends thru high school as we shared many of lives experiences growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and his many friends.
November 15, 2012
Ken and Mary Craft
Our condolences to the family. Mary and I really enjoyed the many breakfast conversations with Bill at the Beagle Bagel and he will be missed.
November 15, 2012
Bill visited more countries than most of us know about. He was a gentle spirit, who cared deeply for his family. Your precious memories and God's grace, will sustain you during this time of loss.
Ora Reed
Tokyo, Japan
November 15, 2012
God is near to those that are broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. God will sustain you and help you to endure.
November 15, 2012
Joyce
It was a privilege to work with Bill. I always enjoyed speaking with him on his visits to our corporate headquarters in PA. A true gentleman.
November 15, 2012
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.
November 14, 2012
Mr. Bryan was one great instructor! He was soooo funny...he made learning fun. He was a great man and I know that you are going to miss him, but know that God will heal your broken hearts.
Praying for you,
Jackie Green, a former student
My thoughts and prayers are with you
November 14, 2012
John McCann, M.D.
Bill was truly the brother I never had. We shared so many life experiences growing up together and taking trips together. Life is fleeting and temporary but by God's grace, life eternal awaits us. What a reunion we will have in paradise
November 14, 2012
Durr Walker
Much love to all of you. We have SO many fond memories
Durr and Pat walker
November 14, 2012
Renee Sanders Pickett
I know he at peace and reunited wit h his dad!!!!! Fly high Bill...u will be missed!!
November 14, 2012
Renee Sanders Pickett
My thoughts and prayers r with you. He was a great boss, father, and professional traveler!!!! I know he will be missed!!!!
November 14, 2012
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-Parkway Memorial Cemetery
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
November 14, 2012
Trust in God Almighty to carry you through your grief. Continue to hold the dear memories close to your heart.
November 14, 2012
Drema Nail
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 14, 2012
Many prayers to a great industry colleague. We will miss you Bill. Debi Gaskin, MTS Travel
November 14, 2012
May God grant you the comfort needed to endure.
November 13, 2012
Gus, Kristi, Taylor & Avery Walker
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
November 13, 2012
Tiffany Leister
I am truly sorry for the loss of your dad- my prayers will be with you all at this time. Wait upon the Lord and let Him be your strength when you feel weak and exhausted.
November 13, 2012
Our prayers are with you all. The memories that began in Hattiesburg and continue through today are special to us. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Graham and Alice Ann McCann Smith.
November 13, 2012
Jim Garner
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Billy's family and friends. He was one of my best friends from grammar school thru high school. I will miss him.
November 13, 2012
Our high school class from Hattiesburg High will remember your son, fiancee and dad very fondly. We were so glad to see and visit with him at our last reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and bride-to-be during this very sad time. Bobby Jean Morris Giles
November 14, 2012
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
November 13, 2012
Marty Tatum Lopez
My prayers are with you. May the memories of happy times together ease the pain of your loss.
November 13, 2012
Susan Rice
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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