Paul David Bryan, 96, a loving man with a gentle spirit passed away peacefully at his home in Hillsboro with family by his side on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

Paul was born Nov. 2, 1927, at his parent’s home in the Asbury Community in Hillsboro. He was a member of the Asbury Community Church (formerly Asbury United Methodist Church). He served as the Lay Leader and represented the church for many years as a delegate to the Tennessee Annual Conference. Bible study was important to him as well as serving others. Even in his 80s, he would get on his tractor to deliver wood to neighbors during a snowstorm or help pull cars out of the ditch. His garden produce was always shared with others, especially the church pastor. He enjoyed playing practical jokes and playing cards with family and friends. Paul and his wife of 65 years Peggy were able to travel to many states including Hawaii and Alaska along with a few countries. His trip to the Holy Lands was a highlight.

In 1960, he was recognized as Outstanding Young Farmer by the Manchester Junior Chamber of Commerce. In the 1970s he worked for TVA during the construction of the Normandy Dam. He was an Operator Engineer with Sverdrup for twenty years at Arnold Air Force Base until he retired at age 62. While employed with Sverdrup, he would often comment that he worked to afford his hobby of farming. He farmed until the age of 80 and continued to plant a garden until his early 90s. He would get out in his electric wheelchair to supervise the garden his son-in-law Ken planted. He was active in Farm Bureau, a member of the Coffee County Co-Op, and participated in University of Tennessee Extension Agency Soil Conservation program. In 2012, his family farm, “Sunrise View” was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Parks Bryan, children, Peggy (Ken) Delaney, Parks Bryan, Patsy (Bryan) Vaden, and Polly (Tim) Simons. Grandchildren Blair Sellars, Laura (Mike) Zequeira, Paul (Katy) Golden, John Golden, Joshua Vaden, Jensen Simons, Brentz Simons, Diana Bishop, and Kenny (Jeannette) Delaney. He had 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Walter and Flora Mae Anthony Bryan, brothers Jack Bryan, Walter, Jr. (Big), Vernon, and sister Juanita Hudson.

Visitation will be held at Manchester Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. with burial following at Asbury Cemetery located in Coffee County.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Asbury Cemetery, Manchester. Memorial Donation envelopes will be available during visitation. If you would like additional information, please contact Manchester Funeral Home at 931 728 3505.

Manchester Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 2, 2024