George Garrie Bryant

George Garrie Bryant, 88, passed away in Fallbrook on July 24, 2008, in the arms of his wife of 62 years, Dorothy, and daughter Debbie, who lovingly cared for him at home throughout his battle with cancer.

Born August 30, 1919, in Mason City, IA, to George Garrie and Anna Bryant Sr., he was a 60-year resident of Fallbrook.

Mr. Bryant graduated from Santa Ana High School. He received an Associate Arts Degree from Palomar College and later attended San Diego State University. On April 26, 1945, he married Dorothy in Washington, DC.

He retired from the US Marine Corps as a captain on June 30, 1963. He was part of the Honor Guard for President Roosevelt’s funeral in Washington, DC, and New York; served in World War II and the Korean War; and served several tours in Japan and China. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association of Duty and the Military Officers Association of America. He also worked as a rancher.

Mr. Bryant was an avid tennis player; he loved reading, sports and gardening. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was always educating himself.

Family and friends describe him as strong, loyal, loving, kind, courteous, helpful, inquisitive, friendly, open-minded (progressive), dependable (one could always count on his word) and extremely hardworking.

Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna, and brother Charles Bryant. He is survived by wife Dorothy Louise Bryant, Fallbrook; daughters Deborah Bryant, Fallbrook, Patricia Van Reenen, Richland, WA, Candice Serry, Escondido, and Jo Anne Sleesman, Raleigh, NC; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside service was held at Riverside National Cemetery on July 30.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Fallbrook Library.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling the arrangements.