William Bert Bryan, 80

July 15, 1944 – June 23, 2025

To most, he was William Bert Bryan, but to those lucky enough to know him, he was the one and only “Big Bad Beautiful Bert Bryan.” On the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025, Bert peacefully traded this life for his Heavenly reward, surrounded by the very ones he cherished most. He has now reunited with his beloved wife, Mrs. Jennifer, and precious daughter, Michelle Lee, along with a host of loved ones waiting to welcome him home on Heaven’s eternal shore.

A service celebrating the unforgettable life of Mr. Bert will be held at 1 PM Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. David Blackwell officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening, June 26, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Ripley Funeral Home and will continue Friday morning at 10 AM until time of service. Mr. Bert will be laid to rest beside his wife and daughter in the Falkner Cemetery.

Born July 15, 1944, in Midnight, Mississippi, in the heart of Humphreys County, Bert was the son of the late Dan Prescott Bryan and Lucille Bass Bryan. He received his education at Lee High School in Columbus, and with great pride and purpose, enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. A true patriot, he served his country with courage and honor, returning home to begin the next chapter of his life. He was welcomed back by his father and stepmother, Mrs. Mary, and soon after met the love of his life, Miss Jennifer Ferguson. The two married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together in Falkner, Mississippi, rooted in love, faith, and family.

A lifelong self-employed painter, Bert’s strong work ethic and dedication to those he served was unmatched. His customers were never just customers — they were friends, often welcomed into his circle with a story, a laugh, and a handshake that meant something. He was a faithful member of the Falkner Presbyterian Church, where his walk with Christ was evident to all who knew him. He loved the Lord deeply and found joy in fellowship, worship, and heartfelt conversation with his church family.

Sports played a big role in Bert’s life — from playing softball in his younger years to coaching and cheering from the sidelines. He was an Ole Miss Rebel through and through, and Saturdays in the fall were reserved for football, win or lose. He took pride in his yard, always keeping it neat and inviting, just like his spirit — always welcoming, always warm.

But the greatest role Mr. Bert ever held — the one he carried with the most pride — was that of Gee-Gee. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he wasn’t just a grandfather, he was their rock, their safe place, their biggest fan. Whether rocking great grandbabies in his recliner or cheering at ballgames, he made each child feel like they were the most special person in the world. His hugs were strong, his lap always open, and his love without limits. He had a gift for making memories feel magical — from playing in the yard to sharing stories that will now be told for generations. His great-grandchildren lit up his life, and in return, he lit up theirs.

Those left to carry on Mr. Bert’s legacy include two sons, Chad Bryan (Tonya) and Josh Bryan (Summer), two sisters, Ann Fisher and Dorris Moore (Donnie), two brothers, Dan Bryan (Jenny) and Neal Bryan (Lisa), nine grandchildren: Kayla Bryan, Logan Little, Dusty Rowland, Channing Bryan, Zoe Bryan, Alex Bryan, Bishop Bryan, Hartley Bryan, and Haze Grace, four great-grandchildren who were the twinkle in his eye and the joy in his heart: Kaegan Lee, Remi, Kash Holmes, and Asher Bryan.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Don, and six sisters: Shirley, Norma, Mary Ann, Martha Jo, Anita, and Tammy.

To know Mr. Bert was to love him — not because he asked for it, but because he gave it so freely. His presence filled a room, his faith steadied those around him, and his love built a family that will forever carry his spirit forward. We will always consider ourselves blessed to have been on the receiving end of that kind of love – the kind that comforts, uplifts, and leaves a mark that time can never erase.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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