William "Bill" Bryan

William "Bill" Bryan of Lake Wales passed away suddenly on Friday, April 6, 2012.

He was born November 11, 1936 in Lake Wales, Florida where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Lake Wales Senior High in 1954 and then attended the University of Florida. He was a true gator fan.

Bill married Sandra Payne on September 9, 1961 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family especially his three grandsons. He also loved hunting, fishing and spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Ednah Bryan and one grandson, Bryan Mitchell Smith. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Bryan; son, Michael Bryan and daughter-in-law, Donna (Pilcher) Bryan; daughter, Melissa Smith and son-in-law, Cy Smith; grandsons, Clay Smith, Benjamin Bryan and Joshua Bryan; brother, Donald Bryan and sister-in-law, Eileen Bryan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 am Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales, where Bill served as a Deacon. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church (16 North 3rd Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853) or the Lake Wales Care Center (140 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853).