Howard " Ralph" Bryson

Born on April 18, 1929, Howard ‘Ralph’ Bryson entered the world during the challenges of the Great Depression. He was the 2nd of 9 children born to Pearle and Minnie Morgan Bryson. The children were encouraged to seek an education that would ultimately help them with their many challenges living in poverty. The miracle of the story is that Ralph earned 2 master’s degrees (Southern Baptist Seminary and the University of Chattanooga). He set the example for his younger siblings and welcomed them to move in with his family until they could find work or complete their education. His lifelong calling was in education and he served Bradley County as a teacher and principal for at least 40 years. He died in the early morning of March 6, 2022.
Ralph was a veteran of the US Air Force and a member of First Baptist Church for over 65 years, teaching Sunday School and serving on various committees. Because of his love for and service to Camp Cherokee, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Cleveland Camp Cherokee.
Married to Margaret Roddy in 1954, they lived most of their lives on the family farm where he had picked strawberries for a penny as a child. They raised their daughters Debbie Bryson Ingram (David), Donna Bryson Kirksey (Benny), and Dianne Bryson King (Richard) on this farm. His grandchildren grew up traveling in their motorhome and going to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons on vacation. The grandchildren include Bryson (Kate) Kirksey, Jessica (Luke) Hamilton, Brett (Cana) Kirksey, Dr. Alexandra Ingram, Morgan King, and Annelise King. His great-grandchildren are Miles and Sage Kirksey, Asher Hamilton and Adi Beth and Colter Kirksey. His beloved Margaret died in 2020.
Ralph loved his family. His siblings include Gladys White, Dr. Jewell Bryson, Wilma Goins, Dr. O.J. Bryson, and Melvin Teddy Bryson. He was proceeded in death by his siblings Hettie Sue Bryson, Shirley Guthrie, and Dale Bryson.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 11 at First Baptist Church Cleveland located at 1275 Stuart Road, Cleveland, TN 37312. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 12 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.