Obituary of Arlie Wayne Bryan

Arlie "Wayne" Bryan of Todd, North Carolina went home to be with Jesus on Friday, July 23rd at 10:28am. Wayne was born on December 3rd, 1946 to Edna Mae Ellison Bryan and Arlie Jennings Bryan. He was a life-long member of Liberty Independent Missionary Baptist Church and whole-heartedly invested his time and energy into a life of service for the Lord as deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was a Vietnam veteran, and proudly served his country. Wayne was a painter and carpenter for many years (but would rather have been fishing). He had an eye for rock work and built many beautiful local chimneys, walls, and fireplaces that still reflect his good workmanship to this day. Wayne loved his family…His wife, Illa Kimberlin Bryan, his son, Anthony Wayne Bryan and wife Jennifer, his daughter, Dina Bryan Combs and husband Keith, his stepson Jonathan Gale Trivette and wife LeAndrea and he did anything to help any of them any time he could. He was Papaw, Pop, or Sir to his grandchildren, Jessi Lea Combs, John Anthony Lee Bryan and wife Ashlynn, Joshua Wayne Bryan and wife Lindsay, Mason Raymond Combs, Maria Combs Helton and husband Adam, Ethan Gregory Trivette, and Madison Grace Trivette. He was GREAT Papaw to Jessi's daughter, Bailee Grace Studstrup and John's son Arlie Reid Bryan. He was brother to Linda Gentry and husband Jack, Kathy Day and husband Glenn, Lydia McLelland and husband Ed, Roy Bryan and wife Mickey, Ronnie Bryan and wife Sylvia, and Phill Bryan and wife Wilma. He was brother-in-law to Ann Kimberlin Eldreth and Paul Lambert. He was Uncle, Great-Uncle, or Great-Great Uncle to a host of nieces and nephews and had many beloved cousins as well. He loved his neighbors just like family and was always ready to lend a helping hand with day to day living. Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife, Minnie Kincaid Bryan. He was also preceded in death by his parents Edna and Arlie, brother Stephen Henry Bryan, sister Evelyn Bryan Mast and husband Andy, sister-in-law Leccia Kimberlin Lambert, and a one-of-a-kind loyal canine, Zack Bryan. Pop was the best coleslaw maker, period! He knew where the best fishing holes and branch lettuce were within a hundred miles. He could walk through the woods and spot every stalk of ginseng first, name every tree, and he knew which knot on them would make the prettiest bowls or lamps. He could tell you which deer had made it from last season to this one, and how many points he expected that buck to be by fall. His love for hunting and fishing was only surpassed by his love for God and family. He was plain spoken, he would pray with you or give you a pat on the back or a kick in the pants, or sometimes all three in one visit! He gave the best hugs and "love you too young'un"s. He put many late night hours into studying God's word and growing closer in his prayer life and walk with the Lord. When he wasn't studying for Sunday school, he read every Louis L'Amour book on the planet...twice! Sir taught us that the correct way to roast a hot dog was on a stick over a fire outside. He had a keen interest and knowledge of firearms, the beauty of each one, and the great importance of the right to keep and bear them. Papaw loved apples and could peel one long spiral piece that would almost touch the ground, and offer you a slice from the blade of his pocketknife as he told you a 'remember when' story. He never met a stranger and he loved making new friends. Whether it be with something fresh from the garden or home canned pickled beans and corn, you rarely left their house empty handed. He enjoyed his greenhouse, the garden, the fruit trees, and the blueberry patch. He took time to enjoy the birds (when they weren't trying to eat his blueberries!) and the simple things that God made. He loved being "back in the mountain" making fields and trails on his "traphoe" with his faithful boy Blue ever by his side...and sometimes under his feet. At the peak of the last field he made for his dear friends Wes and Jackie Meadlock, he handpicked his own resting spot when he said, "Wouldn't this be a beautiful place to rest while we wait on the Lord?"...and so it shall be on Thursday, July 29th where a private family graveside service will be held. At Pop's request, Pastor Sonny Hagaman will preach his funeral. We will later announce a date and time in the fall for a Celebration of Life with gospel singing (which Pop loved) to give opportunity for a public memorial service. The one thing we want you to know is, it's not goodbye. The one thing that Pop would want you to know…...is Jesus. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Roaring Fork Cemetery, on Roaring Fork Road. Online condolences may be shared with the Bryan family at the website www.austinandbanresfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bryan family.