John Dee Bryson, 90, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Birchview Memory Care surrounded by his family.
John was born in Cullowhee, North Carolina on March 30, 1921, the son of J. Frank & Della Mae (Stevens) Bryson. He was raised and attended school in Cullowhee and at the age of 13 had to leave school to work the family farm to help support his family.
He worked for a time with the Civilian Conservation Corps and in 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving his country during WW II. He was discharged from the service on January 25, 1946 and three days later he was united in marriage to his longtime love, Frances Burress in Clayton, Georgia. They made their home in Cullowhee until 1950 when the moved to Hamilton, WA.
John then began a long career as a log truck driver, working for Soundview Pulp & Timber and then Scott Paper, working for over 33 years and logging over one million miles in his log trucks; and over the years had witnessed major changes in safety & comfort features in the trucks.
He served on the Hamilton Town Council for several years in the 1960’s and as a Hamilton volunteer fireman until he and Frances moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1974.
In his leisure time John enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, camping and fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of the George Baldridge Post 43 of the American Legion.
John is survived by his two sons and their wives, Bruce & Mary Bryson of Coupeville, WA and Ray & Terri Bryson of Sedro-Woolley. His brother, Frank Bryson, Jr. of Cullowhee, NC; Seven grandchildren, Kimberly Bryson, Geoffrey Bryson, Angela Belanger (Peter), Amanda Page (Nathan), Ryan Bryson (Jesse), Nicole Olts (Matthew) and Allegra Clarkson; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances in 1998; three brothers, Robert, Mack & Clyde Bryson and two sisters, Kathleen Green & Pearl Quinn.
Memorials are suggested to the Valley Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley or the Alzheimer’s Association.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at the Hamilton Cemetery on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 3:00 PM with Pastor Mike Smith of the Valley Baptist Church officiating. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Randy, Ray and Family,
We were sorry to hear about Uncle John’s passing. We all loved to see him when he came to NC, and we really had a good time when we visited him in WA. God Bless you and comfort you during this time. We love you all.
I loved John D. so very much. Mama loved him dearly!!! What a pair!!!!!!!! I wish I would of looked for him and gave him a hug. He was such a big loving man!! I wish the best for the family. Love always Linda
My deepest sympathy to Randy, Ray and family. I too remember Uncle John’s visits to NC in the summers. I have great memories of spending time with him at Mam Maw and Pap Paw’s (Pearl and Bob) in Leicester. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My love to everyone.
Glad i got to know John,he was a good Man!
To the family of Uncle John Dee,
I am so very sorry for the loss of my favorite Uncle. To Bruce(Randy) and Ray I will be praying for you and your families during this time. I will always remember your visits to NC in the summers. I loved Uncle John and Frances. I am glad I got to visit with all of you a few years ago. I remember Dad always crying when you all would leave NC. I know Dad(Frank) really loved Uncle John. God bless all of you and remember all the great years you all had together.
To the family of Uncle John,
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to Randy and Ray and family. I know this is a difficult time for you and wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and will pray for you and your family. I loved Uncle John and will never forget my trip out to see him. I will remember him fondly and send my love to all.
To the family of John,
I was a caregiver for John and he was a favorite of mine. He talked quite a bit about his 2 sons and it was really neat to see how often they would come to see him and visit with him. He talked about his late wife and how she was such a wonderful woman and that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen! I am sorry for your loss. He is in a much better place, God bless your family John, you will be missed.