Allen Jessie Bryan

Allen Jessie Bryan, age 101, died Thursday evening, September 15, 2022.

Mr. Bryan was born on October 13, 1920, to the late J. Newton Bryan and Roetta Lawrence Bryan of the Seaforth Community in Chatham County.  He graduated from Bells High School in 1938.

A WWII veteran, Mr. Bryan entered service November 30, 1942.  He fought in the Napels Foggia Campaign, serving as an anti-tank gunner aboard an M-10 tank destroyer, assigned to the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 36th Infantry Division. He was wounded in combat near Mignano, Italy on November 18, 1943. His parents and wife were initially notified in error by telegram on December 2, 1943 that he had been killed in action; they received a corrective telegram on December 4, 1943, advising them that he was alive, but wounded. Mr. Bryan was awarded the Purple Heart, the American Theatre Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with the Bronze Star, the WWII Victory Medal and the Distinguished Unit Citation.  He was Honorably Discharged on December 10, 1945.

Mr. Bryan frequently reminisced about farming, hunting and fishing while living on his family farm near Seaforth, NC during the first half-century of his life. He also loved to share his memories of riding his Harley Davidson and playing his guitar. When forced to relocate due to the construction of what is now known as Jordan Lake, Mr. Bryan and his family moved closer to Pittsboro, NC.  He later worked for Allied Chemical near Moncure for 10 years, retiring in May, 1983.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Celeste Connell Bryan and his four sisters, Maggie Thrailkill, Hallie Beckwith, Mozelle Boone and Ruth Farrar. He is survived by his two daughters, Amelia Bryan and Jill Bryan; grandchildren: Ashley Fischer (Shawn) and Brent Cotten (Katelyn) and great granddaughters, Hadleigh and Leighton Fischer.

Mr. Bryan was a member of the American Legion and the Pittsboro Masonic Temple.

The family would like to thank the American Legion Post 116 in Fuquay Varina for organizing two drive-by parades to celebrate Mr. Bryan’s 100th and 101st Birthdays.  The parades were awe-inspiring to all in attendance and particularly memorable to Mr. Bryan.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 3 PM at Bells Baptist Church cemetery at 870 Horton’s Pond Road, Apex conducted by Rev. Ray Gooch and including Military Honors and Masonic Rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you thank a veteran for his or her service.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Bryan family.