Mr. Frank Robert Bryan
As originally published on Sunday, December 13, 2009.
Frank Robert Bryan passed away gently in his sleep Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2009, surrounded by loved ones.
The Bryan family is greatly saddened by the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle after a courageous four-year battle against leukemia.
He was born in Miami, Fla., to the late Truman Bryan and Lillian Faulk. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Truman Bryan II and George Bryan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy J. Bryan; and his devoted children, son, Keith R. Bryan and wife, Carol Ann; daughter, Faith B. Wyatt and husband, Michael; and his precious granddaughter, Christinia B. Wyatt.
Christinia and PaPa relished their time together and spent many hours enjoying nature trails he created in the woods at Grandpa’s home. They loved to read and sing to each other and worked together on school and craft projects, including science fair assignments.
He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Hix and her husband, Carol, of Summerville, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
At the time of his death, he was executive director of Habitat for Humanity, Gloucester/Mathews. Frank– received his Bachelor of Arts in history from Stetson University; his Master of Science, education of the deaf, from Gallaudet University; education administration — instructional technology from the University of Maryland and educational administration from George Washington University.
He worked in deaf education for more than 40 years, as a teacher at the Deaf School at the Maryland School, Frederick; curriculum coordinator at Kendall School for the Deaf, in Washington; principal and campus director, Maryland School for the Deaf at the Columbia Campus; superintendent at the Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf, Wilson, N.C.; and associated professor education at Atlantic Christian College, Wilson, N.C. He retired in 2000 as superintendent at Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Handicapped in Hampton, Va.. In 2001, Frank was hired as interim educational director at First Presbyterian Church.
Frank was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Gloucester, where he served as an interim educational director, teacher and elder.
He was concerned about housing for low-income families, and in addtion to Habitat, he served on the county’s Workforce Housing Initiative Program. Frank was so proud to receive the Gloucester Point Rotary Paul Harris Fellow award in June 2009.
The Bryan family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to so many who provided support, prayer and encouragement.
There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at First Presbyterian Church, 6470 Main St., Gloucester, VA 23061.
Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity Gloucester/Mathews, P.O. Box 1880, Gloucester, VA 23061, the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1833, Merrifield, VA 22116-8033, or First Presbyterian Church Educational Fund.
Arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester.
source: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/local/obit_detail.htm?obitID=27596
