Norman Neal Bryan of Clarksville, Tennessee and a long-time resident of Boise, Idaho, died peacefully at home in Clarksville. A loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was 84 years old.
Norman was born in Oberlin, Kansas and grew up a farm boy. His parents were Gerald and Bessie Bryan, and he was the oldest of three sons, with twin brothers. When 14 years old his family moved to Madras, Oregon, and then to Meridian, Idaho in 1953. He graduated Meridian High School in 1955 and married Karen Wood, his high school sweetheart, in 1956. Among other occupations he owned a service station and worked for Consolidated Supply in Boise for 22 years. In 1983 he started Bryan’s Cabinet and Remodel, eventually working from a cabinet making shop on their property. He retired in 1999. In 2009 Norman and Karen moved to Clarksville, Tennessee in a home on the property of their daughter Kelle and her family.
Norman and Karen had daughters Kimberly and Kelle, and son Christopher. All three born a raised in Boise. They have six grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Norman doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren. To the great grandchildren he was known as “Grumpy”. This had nothing to do with his disposition but was a mispronunciation by one of the older great grandchildren. Anything but grumpy he was a loving and generous patriarch. Norman is survived by his loving wife Karen of Clarksville, Tennessee, daughter Kimberly Erickson of Caldwell, Idaho, and daughter Kelle McLemore of Clarksville, Tennessee. While Norman worked hard all his life, and accomplished much to be proud of, what mattered to him was his family. They are his loving and enduring legacy.
Norman fought a valiant and tenacious battle with cancer for many years. He never gave up, but the Lord has decided to relieve him of suffering and affliction and bring him to his side. While he will be missed, his love and example have left us all better people.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society, 6110 Executive Boulevard. Suite 305 Rockville, Maryland 20852. https://autismsociety.org/donate
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 213-7631. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.