Gary Alan Bryan

Gary Alan Bryan

3/8/2024

Gary Alan Bryan, 75, of DeLand, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 from complications of cancer. He was surrounded by his family. Born to Elma Bryan née Pate and Curtis Bryan on September 7, 1948 in Pensacola, Florida, Gary’s life was one of love and commitment.

At a young age, Gary learned how to play the clarinet and joined the Pensacola High School band. At just 17, he answered the call to serve by enlisting in the United States Army Reserves. His service focused on transportation and supplies. He was honorably discharged in 1972, having attained the rank of Specialist Five.

Later that year, Gary completed his apprenticeship in electrical work, earning the title of journeyman electrician. He worked in construction throughout Florida until 1973, when he took a job to help expand West Volusia Hospital in DeLand (now AdventHealth DeLand). While on this job, his good friend Dean Hunter introduced him to his niece, Cathy Adams. Following a whirlwind romance, Gary proposed to her after just six weeks of dating. He and Cathy were married on February 15, 1974, beginning a union that would last for 50 years.

Gary’s work as an electrician sometimes led him far from home. Early in their marriage, he and Cathy traveled together to Arkansas and South Carolina, though their home always remained in DeLand. In 1991, Gary joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), working out of Local 756 in Daytona. As an active member of the IBEW for the next 20 years, Gary worked on construction projects across central Florida and the United States, sometimes even helping to organize job sites and always advocating for workers’ rights. Some of his favorite jobs included building and retrofitting launchpads at the Kennedy Space Center as well as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beyond the workday, Gary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He lived out his childhood dream of being a cowboy by lending a hand at his friend Paul Smith’s P-Bar Ranch whenever he could. He enjoyed hunting, being outdoors, watching a good Western, and—most of all—spending time with his family.

Gary was a caring man, a dedicated husband, and a supportive father. The legacy he leaves behind is one of constant, unconditional love, something that was never in short supply in his household. He is survived by his wife Cathy, sons Francis (Sonny) and Matthew, daughters-in-law Malaya and Pamela, and grandchildren Allen, Ava, Olivia, and Lily, in addition to cousins, nieces and nephews, and other extended family and friends.