Lonnie W. Bryan

FLORENCE Lonnie Winzell Bryan, Effingham, SC, a wonderful, gentle, loving, caring, dedicated husband to Carolyn Kim Wise Bryan, whom he made his bride on June 1, 1975, overcame osteosarcoma on March 21, 2015, heading for the comforting, waiting arms of the The Lord Jesus Christ, which he constantly professed his love for, surrounded by his heartbroken family.

Lonnie was born January 25, 1953, raised in Jacksonville, NC, by his loving parents, Durwood and Betty Bryan of Jacksonville, NC.

Lonnie graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1972 then attended Coastal Carolina College, obtaining a degree in electronics in 1974. He worked for Hardees in Jacksonville, NC, as a manager before moving to SC where he learned his electrical abilities while working for Joes Electric and Turbeville Electric. He had his own electrical business before joining the wonderful team at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC, in 1994, where he received many award recognitions for his dedicated work throughout the years until his medical retirement in May of 2014. Lonnie was well- respected and loved by his many co-workers and his hope was to return to McLeods as a volunteer to continue to be a part of what he loved and be among some of the best people he knew and respected.

Lonnie loved Onslow Beach, NC, where he enjoyed surfing. His first vehicle was a jeep that he took upon the beach and spent many hours dune jumping. He was a member of the Darlington County Balsa Busters Club. Lonnies hobbies were collecting movies, enjoying his computer, reading and most importantly, his family, taking his responsibilities for their care and needs before and above all else, even himself. He loved his church, Southside Baptist Church, and Wayne Bells Sunday School Class and it grieved him when he became too ill to attend.

Lonnie was a gentle man that had a huge heart. He never turned a soul in need from his door, whether for food and/or shelter, always working to support and helping each and everyone with a spirit to help them achieve their independence. There are too many to name, but he loved and cared for each one of you, always being able to see the much good in each one. He wanted to tell each of you thank you for being a part of his life.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kim; his daughters, that gave him much joy, Denise (Bobby McGee) Bryan of Effingham, and Patience AnaGabrielle Lee of the home; his grandchildren, that gave him many smiles, Michael Landon Winzell Casey and Kristin Elizabeth Casey of Effingham; his wonderful parents; his brother, George Bryan, of Jacksonville, NC; his loving sister, Sharon Bryan, of Raleigh, NC; numerous loving family, many caring friends, generous church family of Southside Baptist Church; and his wonderful co-workers of MRMC.

The family wishes to thank MRMC for their loving care during Lonnies career and especially during his illness; Southside Baptist Church family, for helping to meet his and his familys needs before they could even comprehend what most of them were; the many individuals that came and visited with him sharing their love with and for him; Karl Folkens, for being there for us over many years; MRMC Cancer and Radiology Center staff and doctors; Libby Stroud Carter, that always had an ear to listen; MRMC Maintenance crew, for being there and the wonderful Saturday morning breakfasts that always lifted his spirits; Charlie Taylor, for his dedication and skills at designing and making many pillows and cushions to help Lonnie in his last weeks to try to obtain some kind of comfort; caring neighbors and friends, that did so much and all the people who called just to say hello and cheer up his days.

Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at Southside Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, and from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Southside Baptist Church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Coward United Methodist Church Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to McLeod Cancer Center or McLeod Hospice House, c/o McLeod Foundation, P. O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502.

.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lonnie W. Bryan, please visit our floral store.