Fallen Hero: COL George “Mike” Bryan

George “Mike” Bryan was born August 17,1936 in West Point into a pioneer Mississippi family and passed away peacefully on January 20, 2018, following several years of health complications.

Proud of his birthright as a direct descendent of a family that helped settle this great country, he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mike’s ancestors include a Col. Bryan (North Carolina) who fought in the American Revolution; former U.S. Secretary of State and renowned orator William Jennings Bryan; and pioneer Rebecca Bryan Boone, wife of famed frontiersman Daniel Boone. His great grandfather, George Washington Bryan, served in the Civil War under Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forest.

Mike served in four components of the Armed Forces: US Marine Corps; US Army; US Army Reserve; and Army National Guard, where he was mobilized as a combat engineer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later in his military career he served under the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC as an advisor to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission in the late 1980’s. He was a graduate of the Air War College, and retired as a Colonel in the US Army Reserve. Among his many awards and commendations, Mike was the recipient of the Legion of Merit; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Commendation Medal; and the Army Achievement Medal. He was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America with the Silver Beaver Award, of which he was very proud.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents George Casey Bryan and Mackie Sue Heflin Bryan, of West Point, one brother Thomas H. Bryan, and his wife Dixie Wilson Bryan (2008). Mike and Dixie made their home in Moss Point, where they raised two sons who survive him, George M. “Mitch” Bryan, Jr. USAR COL (Ret.) of Ocean Springs and Jeffrey W. Bryan and his wife Bridgette of Biloxi. He is also survived by one brother, Dr. John Bryan and his wife Tamara Weir of Ontario, Canada and three grandchildren, Kaitlin Annabel Bryan (Covington, LA), George Alexander Bryan (Biloxi), Hunter Bryan (Norfolk, VA). His grandsons continue the proud Bryan family tradition of military service to the United States, Alex serving in the US Army Reserves and Hunter in the US Coast Guard.

In his civilian life, Mike graduated from Mississippi State University and later in life went on to earn his MBA from Mississippi College. He returned to Moss Point following college and pursued a career as a safety management professional for Ingalls Shipbuilding, ultimately retiring as the head of their department of safety and security. He then went on to enjoy successful careers in banking and working for the State of Mississippi Employment and Security Commission, constantly continuing his education by taking additional courses and earning numerous certificates of distinction and accreditations.

Mike was a member of Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church, Moss Point, for 60 years.

Visitation will be Tuesday January 23,2018 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Holder-Wells Funeral Home 4007 Main St. Moss Point, MS with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm from the funeral home chapel.

It was Mr. Bryans wishes that no public graveside to be held.

You may sign the online register book and send condolences for Mr. Bryan at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com

Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of the arrangements