Dr. Andrew M. Bryan

Dr. Andrew M. Bryan, 62, passed away on Friday, May 5. A native of Wake County, he was the son of the late Paul Lee Bryan, Jr., and Lois Edna Jackson Bryan.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 12th at 2:00 pm at New Bethel Baptist Church in Garner. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in the New Bethel Baptist Church cemetery following the service.

Andy grew up with wonderful, nurturing parents who encouraged his interests in science, music, and the creative arts, and who demonstrated for him a strong relationship with Jesus. Andy followed all of those lessons and kept them close to his heart. This was evident in his actions throughout his life, as he shared his love of Jesus with others.

Andy earned a Bachelor’s degree and then his PhD in Chemistry from NC State University, while also being active in outreach ministries, participating in church choirs and cantatas, serving as deacon, and teaching Sunday School for many years. He taught at Campbell University, rising to the position of Associate Professor and chair of the Chemistry and Physics department, before having to retire due to a number of health issues after 21 years of service to the university. In the years after his retirement, he wrote short stories that were officially for children but were entertaining for all ages. He continued his life-long love of magic tricks and would use them to connect with people. He also enjoyed crafting home videos, a good game of Scrabble or chess, and music in all its forms.

One of Andy’s greatest joys was spending time with his two daughters. He was very proud of their kindness, creativity, intelligence, and accomplishments. He spent innumerable hours telling his girls stories from the Bible–he was a great storyteller! Andy and his wife loved to go for hikes in their younger years and had many inside jokes.

Andy is survived by his wife, Sarah Bryan, and daughters Katherine and Elizabeth Bryan, of Lillington; his brother Paul Lee Bryan, III and wife Jill of Spring Lake; and three nephews and three nieces.