Thomas Francis Bryan

May 8, 1931 - May 26, 2022

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M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery

140 Inway Drive

Anderson, SC 29621

Friday 6/10, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location Not Available

Friday 6/10, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Reception to follow from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

LTC Thomas Francis Bryan, US Army, retired, 91, devoted husband of Elysabeth “Beth” Bryan, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

Born in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of the late Edwin and Cora Tiernan Bryan. Tom was a graduate of McKeesport High School in PA. He then went on to attend Penn State University, before transferring to University of Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree. He also earned a master’s degree in agriculture and horticulture.

Tom proudly served his country for 25 years in the United States Army, serving in Korea and the Vietnam War. During his first tour in Vietnam, he was in the 1st Calvary Division in the Vietnam Highlands. On the second tour he was an advisor of Team 162 also known as the “Red Hats,” an advisory to the Vietnamese Airborne. Tom retired as a Lieutenant Colonel having earned numerous awards including the Legion of Merit (2 oak leaf clusters), Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star (2 oak leaf clusters), 28 Air Medals (4 for Valor), 2 Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), Vietnamese Medal of Honor, Vietnamese Staff Officers Medal, 2 Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, Senior Paratrooper Badge, and Vietnamese parachute badge.

Prior to military retirement, Tom was the professor of Military Science at Furman University. Following his military career, he was the owner and broker of Century 21 Bryan Realty. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasantburg as well as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division I, Greenville – charter president. Tom’s other memberships included being a Charter Member of Knights of Columbus council 9184, a former Grand Knight, 4th Degree Member, and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Tom was also a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

In addition to his wife of 69 years, Beth, his legacy will continue on with his four wonderful children, Thomas “Tom” Francis Bryan, Jr. of Easley, Maribeth Galloway of Greenville, Pat Bryan and wife, Anne, of Anderson, and David Bryan and wife, Soo, of Swanee, GA; 13 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in Prince of Peace Catholic Church followed by a reception in Croghan Hall until 12:45 p.m. Military burial will be held in M. J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Rotary Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences and your favorite memories may be shared with the family by clicking the “Leave a Message, Share a Memory” button on the main obituary page.

M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery

140 Inway Drive

Anderson, SC 29621

Map

Friday 6/10, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location Not Available

Friday 6/10, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Reception to follow from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

LTC Thomas Francis Bryan, US Army, retired, 91, devoted husband of Elysabeth “Beth” Bryan, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Born in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of the late Edwin and Cora Tiernan Bryan. Tom was a graduate of McKeesport High School in PA. He then went on to attend PennContinue Reading

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Tom and I worked together at Furman. He was always a wonderful representative of Furman and ROTC.

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Tom's family. I worked next door to his Real Estate office in the 1990's and he was truly a gentleman and good man. I am thankful for his service and for his friendship. He will be missed.

My deepest condolences to David and his family. May Thomas' soul rest in peace and may the Lord provide comfort to the family.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Thomas Bryan . Plant a Tree

Tom will remain in our hearts forever.

Strength and Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Thomas Bryan by Mike Pasquarett & Pat McEvoy. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a good friend during his real estate days. We worked on many committees together. He always had great ideas and contributed a lot to the real estate industry. He made a difference in many lives. It was an honor to read about his military service and his valor. We had no idea he was so decorated because he was such a humble man. May God bless the family. Joy and David Bailey

With warmest condolences and caring thoughts. May the peace of the Lord be with you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Thomas Bryan . Plant a Tree

Beth, our deepest sympathy to you and your family! We saw the notice of Tom’s passing on FB and thought, could that possibly be the sweet and kind Tom Bryan we used to see at church each Sunday. Checked out the obituary and saw his smiling face. It’s been many years since we have seen the two of you, but when you meet someone as friendly as Tom, you just never forget them! I remember him giving my young son (who is now 46) some medals and I was amazed at his generosity and thoughtfulness! We pray that the memories you shared can somehow see you through this very difficult time. May he Rest In Peace and know just how many lives his kindness has touched!

Dear Beth and Bryan Family It was an honor to know Tom. As a Friend, Fellow Parishioner, and Brother Knight, we were involved in several activities together. His Personality was always Bright and willing to be helpful. He has been missed for the past couple of years and will continue to be missed. May his Soul Rest in Peace. God Bless.

My sister Robin and I grew up in the Del Norte neighborhood and knew this good man as Colonel Bryan. Two of his sons, Pat and David, were friends of ours and Col. and Mrs. Bryan were always friendly, good people with great smiles. When I went to Furman in the mid 1970’s, Col. Bryan was in charge of the military department and I took a few courses. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and I hope you each will feel God’s grace and peace as you move forward.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Finest Farewell Spray was purchased for the family of Thomas Bryan by From PromiseOne Bank. Send Flowers

I had the pleasure of knowing Tom many years ago when I was a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasantburg. Thinking back I would describe Tom as kind, caring, and humble, filled with life, love and a lot of corny jokes. But the one word that best describes Tom for me is simply a gentleman. He was a true original.

I met Tom at the Pleasantburg Rotary where he was among the most cordial and welcoming of its members, He often sought out a seat next to me, and never hesitated to ask about the progress that we were making with developing Haiti libraries and getting books to rural children there. He was genial and joyful and very modest. Only rarely would he mention his military experiences and then just for a moment or two. He resigned a few years ago, and I have truly missed his presence. He was a true Rotarian.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.