Lelmer Bryan

Lelmer Clyde Bryan, 94, WWII Navy Veteran of Dublin passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017. He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Hilda Garner, one son Carl Bryan, six brothers and two sisters. He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter Freda White and husband Dale of Elizabethtown; one sister Stenza Lambert of Hendersonville, five brothers: Rev. Levie Bryan and Houston Bryan, both of Elizabethtown; Rev. Willardane Bryan and Hearl Lane Bryan, both of Bladenboro and Carlton Bryan of Sanford; four granddaughters: Missy Wells and husband Andy of Rose Hill; Jennifer Hair and husband Kory of Elizabethtown; Denise White of Elizabethtown; Amy Reeves and husband Benjamin of Whiteville; one special granddaughter Paige Smith and four great grandchildren: Jaxon Hair, Lilly Wells, Wake Wells and Brian Reeves.

Mr. Lelmer was celebrated as the oldest living WWII Veteran in Bladen County in a ceremony at the armory and given a military salute on Nov. 11, 2014. He served in the Pacific Theatre, Atlantic Theatre, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Pearl Harbor and Tokyo Bay upon the U.S.S. Chelab. Lelmer loved the outdoors but especially gardening with his 1951 Ford Tractor and giving away fresh produce to his family, friends, and neighbors. Over the years, he became a great cook making homemade biscuits and layer cakes. Most days the crock pot would be on with lunch and supper simmering. He could be seen many afternoons sitting outside on the front porch napping or watching the cars go by. He was known for making grapevine wreaths and trees for Christmas around many fruit stands in the surrounding areas.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 on Thursday, March 23rd at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 24th at 4 pm at Dublin First Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Cameron McGill. Burial will follow the services in the Allen Cemetery in Dublin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Dublin First Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the special caregivers Diane Evans, Sheana Stitz, and Ellie Hill for their love and care of Mr. Lelmer.