Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bryan&GScid=63740&GRid=11879282&

James E. Bryan, Jr.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, he had moved to Ramsey Springs Assisted Living Home in Stone County to be with his beloved wife Leta. After the storm, the facility had no power and residents were sent to Siloam Springs, Arkansas until the facility was restored. While in Arkansas, he suffered a severe stroke.

His first employment was as a forestry instructor at Auburn University. It was at Auburn that he met his wife, Leta.

Bryan was a World War II veteran who enlisted in 1940 and served overseas in Europe and Africa. After being discharged in 1945, with the rank of Major, he moved to Wiggins, MS and was employed by the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Company as Chief Forester. In 1951, he was called back to service for his country and fought in the Korean Conflict. Discharged in 1952, he remained in the Army Reserve for 20 years and retired with the Rank of Lt. Colonel. Bryan contributed to Stone County in many ways. He served a six-year term on the Pearl River Valley Development Corporation.

Bryan was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church since 1946 and served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Board of Stewards and Finance Chairman. He was a member of Wiggins Rotary Club for more than 25 years and served as past president.

Bryan served as Chairman of the Stone County Economic Development Corporation and assisted with the development of the Flint Creek Water Park. Bryan was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 1976. He served the College for 26 years with 14 of these years in elected positions including two years as Chairman beginning in 1985. The College recently honored Bryan for his dedication as a businessman, veteran and college friend by naming the first residence hall built in the last 17 years Bryan Hall.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leta Colvin Bryan of Wiggins; one son, James A. Bryan of Wiggins; four grandchildren, Marsha Michelle Bryan, James Edwin Ansley Bryan, Scott Edwin Rogers and Bryan Ashley Rogers; and one great grandchild, Reagan Mikell Rogers. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marsha Bryan Rogers.