Rodger Edward ‘Bear’ Bryan
Rodger Edward “Bear” Bryan peacefully went to be with the LORD at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday November 6. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch Lois Bryan and Helen Elaine Pullen Bryan; his brothers, Don Lois Bryan and John Wesley J.W.” _ Bryan. and sister, Linda Ann Bryan Butler.
Rodger is survived by his loving wife, Donna Estelle Gilbert Bryan of 41 years; daughter, Elizabeth Nell Bryan Marsalis and husband Mitchell of Athens;
daughter, Adrienne Elaine Bryan Russell and husband William of Ruston.
Papa’s grandboys meant the world to him — Dutch, Maddox, Avery and Drake. Anyone who knew him, knew he wore the title of Papa _with love and honor. Papa loved his boys and his boys loved their Papa. He is also survived by 7 brothers and sisters, Myrtle Elaine Bryan of Baton Rouge, Ronnie Randolph Bryan and wife Betty of Quitman, Rose Mary Bryan Spangler and husband Charles of Jonesboro, Karen Kay Bryan Emerson and husband Bobby of Emerson, Arkansas, Krista Vonette Bryan of Hodge, Joseph Randall “Joey” _ Bryan and wife Cherise of Jonesboro, Jeffery Pullen Bryan and wife Cindy of Jonesboro; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Rodger was born in Hodge on August 23,1950. He lived his life as a man of faith, a provider to his family, a loving husband, and an extraordinary father and grandfather. He worked at the Hodge Mill for 421/2 years as a maintenance mechanic. Bear_ was a lifelong member of the Liberty Hill Hunting Club, where he had friendships that lasted a lifetime and made memories that stayed with him forever.
He never stopped telling his hunting stories, even in his last days. Bear was an avid hounds man and deer hunter. He made many a drive with many friends through
places such as Beagle Drive, Widow Woman, Chicken Box, and Hog Back Ridge. His most favorite place was Widow Woman where he killed his last big white-tailed buck, a 10-point, in December of 2000.
Listening to hounds, whether they were chasing a deer, a fox, a coyote or even a rabbit, was music to his ears. He truly enjoyed this pastime and instilled his passion as a hounds man in many others as well as his grandsons. Rodger served as a combat soldier in the U.S. Army. He was a SP4 in the Vietnam War from October 1970 to October 1971.
After completing his tour in Vietnam, Roger was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in May of 1976. For his service to this country, Rodger was awarded the National Defense Ser vice Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam ServiceMedal W/1 Bronze Service Star and the Air Medal.
Rodger is to be laid to rest at East Mt. Olive Cemetery on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a service to follow. Officiating the service will be Perry Anderson.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Ronnie Bryan, Joey Bryan, Jeffery Bryan, Scott Wheat, Jason Wheat, Roby Serber and Bo Vines.
Honorary pallbearers are James Ginn, Jerry Ginn, Martin Gilbert, Dan Gilbert, and all of the members of the Liberty Hill Hunting Club.The family would like to give thanks to Forest Haven Nursing Home with special thanks to Sharon Gilbert, Terah Toms, Malissa Gilbert, Logan Roberts, Ms. Rhonda, Ms. Odessa, and Annie Peevy as well as the wonderful staff.
The family would like to also thank Ascend Hospice for their excellent care and compassion at the end of his life. The numerous prayers, calls, texts, and meals as expressions of love and support were felt throughout this season.
Donna, Beth, and Adrienne would like to especially say thank you to God for Charlotte Odom, a special angel, given to Rodger and his family during those last days and hours. She carried them through just as an angel does. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Methodist Children’s Homeor a charity of your choice in honor of Rodger Edward Bryan.
