Donald W. Bryan

Donald “Donnie” Wayne Bryan, 76, of Dyersburg, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 9, 2023 at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg. He was born in Alamo, TN on March 21, 1946 to L.D. and Lillian Ellis Bryan. Donnie attended Dyersburg High School and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country overseas during the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, Donnie was rarely spotted without USMC attire or décor.

After completing his military service, he married Janice Lynn Webb in 1970 and adopted her two-year-old son Marc. While both went on to remarry, Donnie and Jan remained friends.

Donnie enrolled at Jackson State Community College, obtaining an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology in 1978. For 34 years, Donnie worked at the hospital in Dyersburg, where he made lifelong friends, was a valued mentor and was known and loved for his entertaining stories and "Donnie-isms."  His trademark "Boots-n-Scrubs-n-English Leather" remains legend.

In 1979 he married Gloria Fern Allen, becoming a loving stepfather to her son Rob. Donnie often reminded Rob, "You can fool some of the people some of the time, most of the people most of the time, but you can't fool me any of the time." Donnie and Gloria enjoyed decades of traveling together and caring for their pets.

Donnie is survived by his sons, Marc A. Bryan (Katherine) of Memphis, TN and Rob Allen of Lexington, TN; and six grandchildren, Candace Bryan, Nora Goodman-Bryan, Trey Allen, Keaton Allen, Fields Allen and Laurel-Frances Allen. Donnie is also survived by his brother-in-law, Edgar Shults, Jr; nephews Edgar Shults, III (Janice). and Jeff Shultz (Lisa); and close friends, Larry Jacobi (Semper Fi) and Dave Strong.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria; his sister, Peggy Ann Bryan Shults; and his brother, L.D. Bryan, Jr.

Donnie was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, attending Holy Hills Baptist Church. At his request, there will not be a public memorial service, but the family is very grateful for the many condolences and acts of kindness already received from his friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Hills Baptist Church, 475 US-51 BYP, Dyersburg, TN 38024 or Dyersburg/Dyer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Dyersburg, TN 38025

Cremation services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home. We are privileged and honored to serve the Bryan family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.