Bobby Mershon Bryson

BRISTOL — Bobby Mershon Bryson, 64 of Bristol, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., following a brief illness.

Born May 16, 1962, in Waycross, Bryson was the son of the late Thetis and Edd Bryson. He lived in Waycross until moving to Bristol 35 years ago.

Bryson was a 1980 graduate of Ware County High School and would go on to receive training in welding as well as receiving his CDL’s. He formerly owned and operated Bryson Enterprises for a time. Over the years, he drove trucks for Scott Housing and Dollar General. Bryson was a farmer his whole life and to him, it wasn’t work but a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed.

To know him was to love him. Bryson never met a stranger. If you had a few minutes to spare, he always had a story to tell. Bryson was a natural-born storyteller, and while some of his tales may have sounded a little too good to be true, he would be the first to assure you that every single word was the truth!

An outdoorsman at heart, Bryson enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, good times, good stories, and most of all, good company. He loved to laugh, loved to talk, and loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to him. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable and turning everyday experiences into stories that would be told for years to come.

But of all the things Bryson loved in this world, nothing brought him greater joy than his family, especially his two precious grandbabies, Stetson “Peanut” Bryson and Ellie Mae Bryson. They held a special place in his heart, and the love he had for them was immeasurable.

Bryson is survived by his longtime partner, Paula McCora of Bristol; two daughters, Jessica Bryson and son-in-law, James Flowers of Bristol and their children, Stetson “Peanut” Bryson and Ellie Mae Bryson, and Laura Rowell and son-in-law Colby of Nahunta and their family; his brother, Homer Bryson and sisterin- law, Lisa Bryson of Nicholson, Ga.; his niece, Lucy Bryson; and his nephews, A.J. Bryson and Ryan Casey; also many other loving family members and countless friends who will cherish his memory.

A funeral service was held Monday morning, October 19, 2026 from the Piney Grove Baptist Church in Bristol (Appling County) with Pastor Joe Chancey and Pastor Steve Dowless officiating.

Interment will be in the Piney Grove Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Robert Eunice, Donald Moore, Clint Griffin, Steve Blair, Tony Bryson, Ricky Fullard, Matt Albritton and Anthony Smith.

The family kindly requested Steve Herrin, Keith Tucker, Anthony Smith and Timmy Smith to serve as honorary pallbearers.

Bryson lived life to the fullest, never missing an opportunity to enjoy himself, share a laugh, or spend time with those he loved. While his passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of his family and friends, the memories of all the good times, the laughter, and, of course, those unforgettable stories will live on.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home was honored to serve the Bryson family during this time.