John Franklin Bryson, Jr.

Frank Bryson Jr.- John Franklin Bryson Jr. peacefully passed away March 21, 2017 at Skyland Care Center, to go on to his heavenly home. Born in Cullowhee February 4, 1930, he was preceded in death by his parents John Franklin Bryson Sr. and Della Stephens, sisters Kathleen Green and Pearl Quinn, brothers John Dee, Robert Vaughn, William Mack and Clyde Lester Bryson, and one grandson Jesse Frank Bryson. He is survived by two daughters Marcia Bryson Davies (David) of Robbinsville, NC, Patricia Bryson Stanley (Steve) of Abbeville, SC and one son Russell Allen Bryson of Asheville, NC; five grandchildren, Jake Davies (Jodie), Jenny Davies, Megan Stanley, Lauren Windt (Paul), Danielle Bryson and 10 great grandchildren. He worked hard all his life, starting at age 11 mowing grass, tending the garden and putting up tobacco. He was a janitor at Cullowhee Baptist Church, worked for Lake Shannon Timber, W.B. Dillard Construction building Albright-Benton Dorm and Reid Gymnasium. He helped build Wolfe Creek, Bear Creek and Tanasee Creek Dams. He also worked at Sylva Tire and Heritage Quilts. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, camping and spending time at deer camp. He proudly displayed his deer trophies in his living room. He was a true mountain man who lived his entire life at his home place. He had a unique mountain dialect, the family has laughed often at his expressions. He loved mountain cooking with his favorite being a hot cake of corn bread. Affectionately known as "Papaw", he was a loving man who could always be found at home to talk, listen and welcome family and friends. He was a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church and was baptized at the mouth of Wayehutta Creek in 1985. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 at 4:00 pm at Black Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Norris and Rev. Roger Stewman officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at Cullowhee Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jake Davies, Cade Davies, Paul Windt, Jeff Coggins, Barry Foxx and Mitch Wike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Black Mountain Baptist Church, 3147 Wayehutta Rd. Cullowhee, NC 28723. Appalachian Funeral Services are in charge of arrangements.