William H. Bryan October 7, 1936 

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An outstanding man of rugged intelligence and firm convictions passed to eternity's realms when William H. Bryan, former Mayor of Franklin crossed the border at 9 o'clock Wednesday evening, October 7.

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For the past several months his health had been delicate and while the end was not unexpected, it came nevertheless as a shock to his beloved companion, relatives and many friends.  He was a prominent Baptist layman and for the past half a century had been identified with every forward movement of the local church. 

 

Mr. Bryan was essentially a business man and through his uncanny insight into the tobacco industry, recognized the world over as hazardous and uncertain, he amassed an independent fortune and was easily among the most successful men who ever claimed a home among the people of Simpson County.  He was twice Mayor of Franklin, and many of the city's splendid improvements were brought about through his business acumen aided by members of the city council who composed his official family.

 

From pioneer stock he inherited a will to do and a determination to succeed. In the ordinary course of lousiness activity it is not improbable that some of his many investments and ventures were not always successful, yet his most intimate associates will not recall ever having heard a word of complaint uttered by him.  Possessed, as he was of a strong character and pronounced likes and dislikes, he never forced his opinions upon others and never gave advice unasked.

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Without reference to his only child, the late lamented Walker Bryan, financier and former publisher of the Franklin-Favorite, a biography of Mr. Bryan would not be complete.  Every advantage that opportunity, affluence, and indulgence that parents could give had fallen to the lot of the idolized son.  and in the prime of life when the fullest measure of intellectual, financial and social success seemed within reach God touched him and he slept.  As a follower of the Nazarene and consecrated godly man, the father could only in resignation submit to the inevitable yet the blow was one from which he never fully recovered.  Immediately following it and during the remainder of his life, the gentle loving companion who became his bride in youth proved herself  possessed of the blessed qualities of Gods best gift to man by becoming his staff and ever present helper.  The love and affection given his son and clinging devotion bestowed upon his companion were characteristics that will forever

 

remain as a heritage and endear him to those who knew his manly worth.   Mr. Bryan was the last of his fathers family, four brothers and three sisters having proceeded himself to the better land.  He is survived y his wife who before her marriage Miss Virgie Reed. 

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Funeral services were conducted at the House and Bryan Mortuary at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon by Rev. J. G. Barbe and burial was made in Green Lawn Cemetery.  The pall bearers, nephews, were: Edmund Ray, Allison Taylor, Edwin Dunn, John L. Stanford, Gabe Taylor and Robert Bryan.