Gary Michael Bryson Sr.

Gary Michael Bryson Sr was born on June 15, 1945 to the late Levi and Dorothy Lucille Bryson, of Old Towne, Virginia. He was the youngest of three.

Mike was educated in the Galax Virginia Public schools and one of the first African American males to integrate Galax High School. He graduated in 1963. At the age of 16 , Mike met the love of his life Ionia Delance Brown. August 28, 1966, they were united in marriage. Born to this union were two children, Gary Jr. and Tamara Suzette. Mike accepted Christ in 2011. He was a faithful member of Friends Fellowship Bible Church.

After graduation, Mike moved to Cleveland Ohio where he worked as a supervisor at Eaton Corporation and later went on to retire from the Regional Transit Authority after 25 years of service as a bus driver. Mike loved playing golf and basketball. He was an avid spectator of all sports. He was a loyal Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan.

His parents Levi and Dorothy Lucille Bryson preceded him in death. As well as his two siblings, Col. Gene Keith Bryson (Andrea) and William Neil Bryson Sr.

Mike leaves loving memories in the hearts of his devoted wife of 56 years Ionia; three sons, Gary M. Bryson Jr. (Shon) of Euclid Ohio, Carl Blair of Orlando, Florida, and Brandon Martin of Cleveland, Ohio; one daughter, Tamara Suzette Bryson of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; six grandchildren, Chi'Ree Wiley (Trumaine) of Salem Virginia, Me'Lisa Bryson of San Antonio, Texas, Alona Bryson of Houston, Texas; Robert L. Pryor of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Shovonne Eason (Ira) of Columbus, Ohio, and Tyrone Presswood, of Columbus, Ohio; two great grandchildren, Jayden and Amanda Jean; four sister in laws, Mary Bryson of Lee Summit,Missouri, Gerlene Brown of Newport News, Virginia, Gloria Jean Brown of Galax, Virginia, Sparkle Thompson (Donnell) of Charlotte, North Carolina; four brother in laws, Jackie Reeves (Ann) of Galax, Virginia, Stephan Brown of Galax, Virginia, Tony Brown of Newport News, Virginia, Perry Brown of Galax, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.