After great anticipation, Dr. Richard Wayne O’Bryan had a glorious home going on Monday, October 8, 2007. He was 71 years old.
Richard was born on September 29, 1936. He grew up in Dyersburg, TN and started serving the Lord when he learned to ride a tricycle. He continued to follow God’s plan for his life by going to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and was an instructor at the school. This trumpet player served Yellow Leaf Baptist Church, Reelfoot Baptist Church, and Macedonia Baptist Church. He also served as a missionary in Kenya, Africa.
He started working at the age of 15 and probably still hasn’t stopped. The former Piggly Wiggly employee went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Belmont College and his master’s degree while in Seminary. Richard went on to finish his Doctorate in Education. He taught for Memphis City Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. O’Bryan had five professional publications, one of which was published in U.S. News & World Report. He worked at Hannibal LaGrange College, University of Tennessee at Martin, Jackson State Community College and University of Memphis. His heroes in life included Jesus and Columbo. He, therefore, practiced humility and would never want anyone to know he was a Mensa member.
His four brothers and sisters, Janine Kafka, Glenn O’Bryan, Maxine Tyner and Norma Lynn Garrison, have loved him all his life. He was a wonderful father and had six children, Richard O’Bryan Jr., Ellen Robey, Phoebe O’Bryan, Marilyn Vanderford, John Robert O’Bryan and Army O’Bryan Nichols. He also had one stepson, Joseph David Stem. He still wishes he was playing with his eight grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.
Dad, we miss you terribly, but know how excited you were to go home! We will retell your funny stories to our children and your outrageous sense of humor will live on through generations! We love you!
On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, Richard’s visitation will be held at Curry Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join us for Dr. O’Bryan’s “Homegoing Celebration” on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church, Dyerburg. In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 3806 Monument Ave., P. O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767 or to the Scholarship Fund at Mississippi College.
P.S. If found in Florida, please return!
Paid for by family of O'Bryan
WCP 10.11.07