James Edward Bryson, 88, passed away on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at Woodbury Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He retired from Samsonite after 34 years.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Willie and Beatrice (Pitts) Bryson, and granddaughter, Helena Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Myrtle Alexander Bryson of Woodbury; children, Wallace (Barbara) Bryson of Lebanon, Keith (Carolyn) Bryson of Lavergne, Mike (Patricia) Bryson of Woodbury, and Debbie Mitchell of Smyrna; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 sisters, Betty Sue (Bobby) Hayes of Cannon Co., Janice Gaither of Georgia, Brenda (Jerry) Mullinax of Woodbury, and Patsy Read of Florida.
Born at the old family log house in Woodbury, Edward started off his life learning what it meant to be frugal and strong. His simple, country raising helped to scaffold his growth into a humble, tenderhearted, and fun-loving young man. He knew what the most important things are in this life and didn’t waste a moment or a dollar. And after meeting the love of his life, he definitely didn’t want to miss a thing.
Mrs. Myrtle graduated one day, and they were married the next. At the age of 19, they promised in their vows that as long as they had breath in their lungs, they would be together. Little did they know, together would be an understatement. Edward and Myrtle moved in with Edward’s parents after they got married, and Myrtle was constantly spoiling him. He lived a life filled with the finest form of luxury, and that was one filled with love.
The saying, “Behind every man is a better woman,” rang true for their relationship, and Edward was well aware of the treasure he had found. He cherished Myrtle and worked hard to provide for his family. He worked at Colonial Shirt Factory until 1961. Then, he transitioned to Samsonite where he stayed until 1995. However, Edward made sure that his life wasn’t all work and no play.
If you met Edward, then you knew that he loved to talk. He was full of stories about grand adventures from his past, and whenever he got an itch to make another memory, he could talk Myrtle into just about anything. His spirit for adventure took them to Lakeland, Florida on a motorcycle and on a cruise in 1982 to the Bahamas. And after the adventures that took a lot more sweet talking to convince Myrtle, he would always say, “I think you enjoyed it.”
For 68 years, 10 months, and 14 days, the vow they made at 19 was never broken. They lived a life filled with memories of love and laughter, but even being blessed with so many years, the time together will never feel like enough. The family mourns the loss of his presence but is grateful for the time, the tales, and the talents Edward shared with so many.
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 10 am-2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Marvin Davenport will officiate. Pall bearers will be Wallace Bryson, Keith Bryson, Mike Bryson, Stanton Bryson, Cody Bryson, and Jake Bryson.
Interment will be in Odom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with the perpetual care of Odom Cemetery.
Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story