Willie Lee Bryan

Willie Lee Bryan, lifelong resident of the Ripley Community and retired U.S. Air Force Career Person, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was 85 years of age and died following a brief illness.
  Services, with Military Honors, will be at 11 AM Friday, July 14 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with longtime friend, Bro. Bill Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery near Ripley.
  Born September 20, 1931 in Tippah County, he was the son of the late Jessie and Pirl Call Bryan. Mr. Willie received his education in the Pine Grove and Buena Vista School System and was a member of the Ashland Primitive Baptist Church where he was currently serving as a Deacon. On November 11, 1950 he married his beloved wife of 66 years, the former Marie Paseur who survives.
  "Mr. Willie" as he was affectionately known by his many friends had been an active member of his community throughout his life. Known for his patriotism and his love for Tippah County, he was involved in numerous fundraisers that benefited local Veterans Organizations and Charities that provided assistance to others less fortunate.
  A patriotic American, Mr. Willie served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force in peacetime and during the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #81 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #4881.
  Known for his love of outdoors, he was devoted to his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his great great granddaughter. With never a loss for words and his positive outlook, Mr. Willie exhibited genuine enthusiasm with any person he met or project that he participated in.
  He was well known in earlier years as the operator of "Krazy Skates" skating rink in Ripley that provided safe entertainment for many youth in Tippah County and surrounding areas. His passion was helping others and being a good neighbor to his friends and fellow veterans.
  Visitation will continue Friday at The Ripley Funeral Home two hours before services.
  In addition to his wife, those left to honor his memory include his sons, Gary (Sheila) Bryan, Stacy Bryan and Mike (Lisa) Bryan all of Ripley, his grandchildren, Jeff (LaShay) Bryan, Heather (Ryan) Swallow, Kayla (Daniel) Coleman and Cole Bryan all of Ripley, great grandchildren, Brandon (Morgan) Bryan, Zane and Hailee Bryan, Mattie and Olivia Michael, Vada and Annie Kate Coleman and Baker Swallow all of Ripley, his great great granddaughter, Lane Bryan and a brother, James Bryan of Ripley. He was also preceded in death by a great grandson, Ryder Bryan, 2 sisters and 4 brothers.
  Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jeff, Brandon, Zane and Cole Bryan, Ryan Swallow and Daniel Coleman. Honorary pallbearers will be all members of the American Legion Post #81 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4881.
  The American Flag at The Ripley Funeral Home entrance honors Mr. Bryan and all veterans for their service to our country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bryan family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.