James “Dean” Bryce
1949-2020
Born in Altus, OK to Warren A. “Corkey” Bryce and Irma Jeane Chenault. He confessed and was baptized into Christ in August 1962 by Joe Laird in Altus, OK. He married Jeanine Henderson, his endless love, on December 27, 1968, almost 52 years ago.
At age 15, Dean began preaching across southwest Oklahoma. He served 47 years as full-time preacher in five states. He was known for his excellent, God-focused Bible teaching and beloved for attentive listening.
He secured his pilot’s license as a teenager. As a high school track star, he held the record for the fastest mile in his region. He came of age farming and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Bible (Oklahoma Christian University, 1970), Master’s in sacred literature (Trinity, 1985), and advanced graduate studies at Abilene Christian University.
He was a regular speaker at university lectureships, led Military Outreach overseas, and did mission work in Greece, Turkey, Germany, England, Scotland, Belgium, Mexico and Ukraine. He facilitated the Denver Lectures and began a weekly Bible television program on a CBS affiliate in Omaha, NE.
In retirement, led in the adult education program at Memorial Road Church of Christ, enjoyed tutoring elementary students and helping widows and neighbors with projects.
His children and grandchildren were his delight, always interested in their lives. He was proud of their accomplishments, primarily that they all follow Jesus. Dean showed this same attention to strangers, neighbors, employees, and his medical workers. On March 13, he received a stage four cancer diagnosis and after eight months of fighting received his eternal reward. His walk with Jesus throughout life inspired others to the same.
Preceded in death by: father, Corkey Bryce; sister, Janet Lea Bryce in 1953; Grandparents, W.P. Bryce and Willie Watts Bryce, Osie Chenault and Elizabeth Dodson Chenault.
He is survived by: his wife, Jeanine Henderson Bryce, Edmond, OK; mother, Irma Bryce Altus, OK; sister, Brenda McDonald, Euless, TX; son, Brady Bryce and wife Donna of Albuquerque, NM; Daughter, Kelly Bryce Taylor and husband Michael of Forney, TX; Grandchildren, Nathan and Elizabeth Bryce, Taryn and Cameron Taylor; brother-in-law, Bruce and wife Wanetta Henderson of Carson City, NV.
In lieu of flowers, the family is working to establish a university scholarship fund to advance the college opportunities of Christians and orphans.
Make checks payable to: First ABQ
Memo Line: Dean Bryce Scholarship
10101 Montgomery Boulevard NE
Albuquerque NM 87111
Or https://firstabq.churchcenter.com/giving
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at Memorial Road Church of Christ.
A family friend since eight years old, Dean was our minister, friend and brother in Christ. We plowed the fields of Southwest Oklahoma and spent many hours conversing together. He was an awesome brother, gone to soon. He leaves an awesome legacy, his family, whom we dearly love! Jeanine, Irma, Brenda, Brady, Kelly and family, we love you!
I have many good memories of Dean. Him as a young man and later as our minister. God is receving a christian leader. God bless his family
Dean Bryce was so nice to everyone he came in contact with. Since I was ill with Crohns Disease thru Altus H.S. days, Dean always brightened & lightened my day when we crossed paths at Altus H.S. Some smiles we never forget as Dean was one of those God-given students! Our Class of 1967’s loss is GOD’s gain in HEAVEN!
Well Done they Good and Faithful servant. If You know Dean, you know genuine, quick wit and speaker of truth, always. We cherish our friendship with him and Jeanine and the role model of Faithfulness and Servant Leader. Dean will be missed, but his sermons will always live on in those he engaged. Prayers for this huge loss.