Thomas Benjamin “Benny” Bryan, 82, was welcomed into the Kingdom of God by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his parents J.C. and Elizabeth Bryan, his brother Carlton Bryan and other loving family members and friends Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Born on August 8, 1943 in Nashville, he was raised in Lenox, along with surviving siblings Laverne Sumner (Ray Gene), Ann Grantham (Braxton), Donna Kinchen (Larry Lee), and Marie Burroughs (Jim). These siblings would bless him with numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1965, he was drafted to the United States Army where he proudly served his country until 1967 and later served in the Army reserves until 1971.
During this time, the former Betty Anne Jones of Brushy Creek would catch his eye, become the love of his life and ultimately become his loving, devoted wife (58 years) September 9, 1967. They would welcome two precious daughters, Kim Smith and Keri Brantley, before settling in Waycross in 1971.
Not one to leave something undone, he acquired his GED in July 1977. Working in the mobile home industry for his entire career, he retired as a production manager. However, retirement would be short lived as he would find a new career as a dealer transport driver for Walker Jones where he made some of the best friends of his life.
A member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear, he enjoyed watching NFL and college football. A man tall in stature, he never met a stranger and is remembered for being the light in a room through his quick wit, comedic banter and his infectious grin. Even so, he would attest that his greatest joy came from the title of Papa and Papa B.
As his girls grew to adulthood, so did his family: son-in-law Danny Smith (Kim), son-in-law Bud Brantley (Keri) and his pride and joy – five amazing grandchildren: Elijah Brantley (Sara), Benjamin Brantley (Bailey), Daniel Smith (Rebecca), Anna Smith, and Bryan Smith (Ryann); and seven great-grandchildren: Parker Brantley, Iris Brantley, Emma Brantley, Beaux Brantley, Klein Smith, Sawyer Smith and Alex Valdez.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, from the Miles-Odum Chapel.
Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial gifts be given in Benny’s memory to Georgia Hospice Care, 1908 Tebeau Street, Waycross, Georgia 31501.
The family request that the Walker Jones Transport and Driver Team serve as honorary pallbearers. They are asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com
Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
