Bryan
WAYCROSS — 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 on April 25, 2026.
Born August 8, 1943 in Nashville, Ga., Bryan was raised in Lenox, Ga., along with surviving sibl ings 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, Bryan 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, Ga., would catch his eye, become the love of his life, and ultimately become his loving, devoted wife (58 years) on September 9, 1967. He and Betty would welcome two precious daughters, Kim Smith and Keri Brantley, before settling in Waycross in 1971.
Not one to leave something undone, Bryan acquired his GED in July 1977. Working in the mobile home industry for his entire career, Bryan retired as a production manager. However, retirement would be short lived as Bryan 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, Bryan enjoyed watching college football and the NFL. 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, Bryan would attest that his greatest joy came from the title of “Papa” and “Papa B.”
As Bryan’s 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.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, April 28 in the Miles-Odum Chapel. Internment followed at Oakland Cemetery. The Walker Jones Transport and Driver Team served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial gifts be given in Bryan’s memory to Georgia Hospice Care, 1908 Tebeau Street, Waycross, 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
