Randall Walton Bryan, born May 27, 1934, in Coolidge, Texas to Margaret Walton Bryan and William Fred Bryan, went to be with the Lord on June 21, 2017.
Funeral services were Saturday, June 24 at the First Baptist Church of Mexia with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating.
Interment followed in the Mexia Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be 2nd Lt. Mac Bryan, Bryan Glass, Taylor Bryan, Bill Bailey, Richard Johnson, Larry Haynes, Collin Glass, Sonny Bowden and David Riley. Honorary pallbearers are Randall’s Fantasy Football Friends and the Talley’s Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.
Randall was a lifelong resident of Limestone County. He graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1952. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Baylor University.
Randall served his country as a proud member of the US Army and was selected to play offense for the Army’s Football Team.
He built his career in the Recreation Department at the Mexia State School over 36 years, ultimately serving as the director until his retirement in 1992.
Randall married the love of his life and best friend, Jo Franklin, on June 3, 1955. They were blessed with three children, Vikki, Brad and Scott.
Randall is perhaps best remembered for the many years he and Jo lived in the home they built at Lake Mexia, spending time fishing, running, and maintaining one of the most beautiful yards on the lake.
He was a gifted tennis player, coaching numerous young people in tennis and contributing to the tennis culture of Mexia and Groesbeck for many years.
Randall and Jo were also avid scuba divers and have enjoyed diving in numerous locations around the world.
He was a Master Driver and Public Safety Rescue Diver.
Randall was a past President and longtime member of the Mexia Rotary Club. He was also a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church in Mexia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Bryan Lee Bailey.
Randall is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jo Bryan of Mexia; daughter, Vikki Bryan Gibson and husband, Albert Austin Gibson of Fairfield; sons, Bradley Walton Bryan and wife, Shelby Jean Bryan of Alpine, CA and Gerald Scott Bryan and wife, Tracey Prelli Bryan of Las Cruses, NM;
Grandchildren, Bryan Quinton Glass, Melisa Ann Noland, Taylor James Bryan and wife, Kaitlin Elizabeth Bryan, Marshall MacKenzie Bryan and Samuel Donavan Bryan; sister, Valaree Hathaway and husband, Jerry of Mexia; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
