JERRY BRYAN, 79 City of Lakeland

LAKELAND - Mr. Jerry Bryan, 79, of Lakeland, went home to be with the Lord, June 28, 2014 due to heart failure. He was surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Bryan was born in Lakeland, Florida on December 9, 1934. He graduated from Kathleen High School in 1953 and worked 36 years for the City of Lakeland. Jerry was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church and enjoyed farming and gardening. He also loved Gospel singing, taking trips to his cabin in the Smokey Mountains and spending time with his family and grandkids. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Bryan; parents, A.M. and Jewel (Lindsey) Bryan. He is survived by his son Jerry Jr. and his wife Virginia, a daughter Jeri Lynne O'steen and her husband Alan; brother, Donald Bryan and his wife Shirley; sister, Linda McQuaig and her husband George; grandchildren Jason Bryan and wife Ellen, Bryan O'steen and wife Susan, and his three great grandchildren Eve Bryan, Nolan and Hannah O'steen. The Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM from Bethel Baptist Church with burial to follow in Socrum Cemetery. Friends are invited to the visitation at the church on Monday, June 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The family has requested that donations could be made to Bethel Baptist Church or the Florida Baptist Children's Home. Arrangements by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens