Community mourns passing of business leader George Bryan
A leader and a beloved individual will be remembered forever.
George W. Bryan Sr., a West Point native who many described as a legendary business leader and visionary real estate and golf community developer, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 6.
In a media release from Mississippi State University, MSU president Mark Kennum expressed how much of an impact Bryan had on the university he very much loved.
“It is difficult to overstate the impact of the loyalty and generosity of George Bryan and his family to Mississippi State University,” Keenum said in the release. “George was a force of nature in business and in sports, but it was his rare vision and perspective that is most remarkable. He could see what could be and what should be and then set about making it happen. George and Marcia left an indelible imprint on MSU. On a very personal level, I will miss George's wise counsel and guidance in ongoing efforts to advance our beloved university. Rhonda joins me in mourning his passing and praying for his family.”
Bryan was known for many accomplishments at MSU and the entire Golden Triangle, but perhaps the most meaningful to his legacy was being a co-founder of West Point's Old Waverly Golf Club with his wife Marcia. Old Waverly is described as one of the South's premier golf destinations and home to Mississippi State men's and women's golf programs. Bryan was also co-founder of Mossy Oak Golf Club, also home to MSU's golf programs.
In the same media release, former MSU director of athletics Larry Templeton, who worked closely with Bryan during the prime of his illustrious career, had some words of his own to say in regards to the legend.
“George Bryan cast a long and important shadow over business and sports across this state and nation,” Templeton said in the release. “His commitment to transforming MSU's athletic and academic fortunes was second to none. He was my friend, my valued sounding board, and someone I genuinely enjoyed spending time and fellowship with.”
Bryan is survived by his wife, Marcia Lavender Bryan, and their children, Suzanne Lavender Bryan, Brentwood, Tenn.; George Wilkerson Bryan, Jr. (Amy), West Point; Laura Bryan Williams (Shane), West Point; and Nancy Bryan Campbell (Matt), Oxford, and their 15 grandchildren, John Wright
Sampietro, Sofia Louise Sampietro, Harrison Bryan Sampietro, Catherine Simril “Sims” Bryan, Rivers Suzanne Bryan, Bess Howell Bryan, George Wilkerson Bryan, III, and Carlyle Cameron Bryan, McMillan Leigh “Millie” Williams, Jonathan “Wells” Williams, Catherine Bryan Williams; William “Hayden” Campbell, Benjamin “Ben” Marshall Campbell, James “Bryan” Campbell, and Charles Warren Campbell.
In addition to his immediate family, George Wilkerson Bryan, Sr. is also survived by his sister, Caroline Bryan Harrell of West Point., and his brotherin-law Kenneth ‘Kenny” Dean Dill of West Point. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Bryan, father John H. Bryan Sr., founder of Bryan Foods, mother Catherine “Kitty” Bryan, sister Catherine Bryan “Kitty” Dill and brother John H. Bryan Jr.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11 at the Mossy Oak Golf Club in West Point. Visitation will take place an hour before.
The Daily Times Leader originally intended to run this article in the weekend edition for January 7-8, 2023. Due to a printing error, we have decided to run it in today’s issue. We apologize for any confusion this has caused our community.