James Alvin Bryan
1923-2021
James Alvin Bryan, 97, was born at Frederick, OK on June 21, 1923 and died in Oklahoma City, OK on January 20, 2021 after a long illness. His parents were Perry and Mamie Bryan who came to Tillman County, OK when the land was opened to homesteaders in 1901. Alvin graduated from Weaver High School and then went to Abilene Christian College in Abilene, TX. He was soon drafted into the army medical corps. He served for some time in Manilla, Philippine Islands in the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur. He returned to Abilene after World War II ended and resumed his education. He graduated with a BA degree in education, then attended George Peabody University in Nashville, Tennessee and earned an MA degree in education. He taught business courses at Hume Fog Technical High School for several years in Nashville, then returned to Oklahoma City where he taught at several high schools. Meanwhile, he obtained a doctorate of education at Oklahoma State University. Afterwards, he taught accounting at Central State University. He was a certified public accountant. He retired in the late eighties after many years at CSU. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, serving as song director for several congregations in Oklahoma City as well as teaching adult Bible classes. Alvin helped with the Togo, West Africa mission work at the Wilshire Church of Christ. Alvin was a great friend and helper. He will surely be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tipton Children’s Home 1000 N Broadway Ave. Tipton, OK 73570. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, January 25th at Matthews Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Frederick Cemetery in Frederick, OK.
I never knew Alvin well and unfortunately never got to have substantive conversations with him about our Bryan family history, of which I know he had much knowledge. Alvin was my first cousin once removed. I conversed with him at two different Bryan reunions. I heard him lead singing on a couple of occasions. He was a superb song leader. I have great respect for the Christian life he lived and for the service he rendered to the many students he taught on the secondary and college level. A good teacher leaves an invaluable and rich legacy.
He was the best professor I had. I chose the accounting profession primarily because of his teaching.
Dr. Bryan was my professor in Advanced Cost Accounting at UCO. He was an outstanding professor and so valuable to the university and a very dedicated professor. I’m sure he’s greatly missed. RIP Dr. Bryan.