Joseph Robert Bryson

Joseph Robert (Bob) Bryson, 92, formerly of Pikeville, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2014.  

He was born July 12, 1921 in Woodbury, a son of the late Zachary Daniel and Cura Davenport Bryson. During World War II, Bryson honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army Air Corps).

He was a retired Minister of the Church of Christ. In 1957, along with fellow minister Bill Rogers of Manchester, he established the Pan-American Mission, which began in Panama and later expanded to other Central American countries. In addition to bringing people to Christ, these missionary trips provided much needed medical assistance and supplies. The Central and Latin American missions were his life’s work, and through his work he helped bring thousands of people to Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Robbie Warner Bryson of Crossville, and a son, Dan Bryson of Hendersonville.

He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Ronald Harrell of Valdosta, Georgia; one son and two daughters-in-law, John and Terri Bryson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Becky Bryson of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Ronald Harrell, Jr. of Valdosta, Dirk Harrell (Angela) of Valdosta, Michelle Garner (Jason) of Valdosta, Andi Crick (Tony) of Hendersonville, Jodi Anderson (A.B.) of Hendersonville, Caroline Bryson and Jacob Bryson of Huntsville, Alabama; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler Harrell of Jacksonville, Florida, Jaxon and Justin Harrell of Valdosta, Bryson, Dylon and Jordan Nash of Hendersonville, and Riley and Ragan Anderson of Hendersonville. 

Funeral services were held on March 22 in Crossville at Bilbrey Funeral Home.

Arrangements were entrusted to Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta, Georgia.