William H. Bryan

William Harrison Bryan, “Bill”, 81, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away on December 28, 2020, at Tidewell Hospice Center due to COVID-related complications.

Bill was born February 12, 1939, in Clarksburg, WV to George Bryan and Jellette Fleming Bryan. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Penny Bryan, Daughter Melany, Sister Candy, Brother-in-law Greg, Nieces Kelly and Kendra and their families, Cousin Philip, and extended family members in Florida, West Virginia, And Ohio.

As a young man, Bill was smart and athletic in middle school and high school, playing baseball and basketball. His senior year of high school (Broadway High), he was class Valedictorian.

Upon graduating from high school, Bill entered the military, going into the Navy. He served his country honorably from 1957-1961 working in submarines; primarily the U.S.S. Barbero and a short time on the U.S.S. Tunny. He acted as an electrician and operated sonar devices. He enjoyed his time in the Navy, getting to be underwater on subs and also being able to see and explore other countries. He was very proud of his years of service.

After the Navy, Bill attended Fairmont State University from 1961-1964, earning a B.A. in Business.  During this time, he met and married his wife Penny.  They then moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for about 5 years in the Census Bureau. He felt that Pharmacy was his true calling, however.

Bill and Penny later moved to Morgantown, WV, where Bill attended the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and graduated in 1971 with a B.S. in Pharmacy; while Penny worked as a registered nurse at Monongalia General Hospital.  Over the years they relocated to different areas/states—Bridgeport, WV; Port Charlotte, FL; Asheville, NC; and back to Port Charlotte, FL. He retired from pharmacy at the end of 2012 but stayed physically active and mentally sharp until his passing.  He remained close with many of his family and friends from childhood, the Navy, and Pharmacy School. He communicated with them often and went to most of his high school reunions, enjoying being able to see his childhood/school friends.

Bill was an intelligent, generous, and thoughtful man - he donated to many charitable organizations over the years. He liked doing crossword and cryptogram puzzles. He also had a love of aviation; he enjoyed watching jets take off and land from airports.

Arrangements were made by Johnson-Taylor Funeral & Cremation Services in Punta Gorda, FL.  Bill will be interred at the VA Sarasota National Cemetery. He did not want any service performed due to the current COVID situation and felt a simple interment was all that was necessary in this epidemic time.