Eagle Editorial Board
Travis Bryan Jr. was so very proud of the community named for his ancestor, William Joel Bryan, a nephew of Stephen F. Austin. But he didn't let that go to his head. Rather, it made him work harder to make Bryan a great place to live for all its residents.
Despite his name and his business success, Bryan was a humble man who served the Lord and his community equally well. Yet, because of his leadership and his dedication to the community, he at times seemed larger than life, seemingly able to get things done through sheer force of will.
For years, Bryan served on the Bryan school board, first when it was a part of the city of Bryan with members appointed by the city council and then after it became an independent body. Through it all, his concern was for the welfare of the children. He put in countless hours making sure that every child had the opportunity to succeed.
Although he was a busy man, Bryan was generous with his time and his money, helping many community organizations thrive.
At one particularly long meeting of the school board, it was decided to send out for sandwiches as it looked like no end was in sight. Questions were raised as to whether it was appropriate for the school district to pay for a sandwich for a reporter, the only person in the audience. The reporter said he didn't need a sandwich, but the debate continued. That didn't sit well with Bryan, who settled the issue by paying for the food for everyone out of his own pocket.
Bryan was loyal to the city that bears his family name. He didn't begrudge College Station its success, but he wanted to be sure Bryan remained a thriving city.
When the Chamber of Commerce announced plans to move its headquarters to College Station, Bryan balked and led the successful effort to keep the organization in Bryan. When a downtown men's store he favored moved to College Station, he reportedly refused to shop there anymore.
So, it was a great surprise one day a few years back when Bryan walked unannounced into The Eagle and asked to meet with the publisher and editors. We couldn't say no, of course, so we sat down and for more than an hour listened to him speak on the benefits of merging the two communities.
Because it was Travis Bryan Jr. calling for the merger, people listened politely, but it wasn't to be. Bryan had to be disappointed, but he didn't show it. He simply continued his efforts on behalf of the city he so loved.
When the local branch of the Salvation Army was about to fold a few years ago, Bryan agreed to chair its board. He brought on some other community leaders and, in short order, had turned the local organization around.
Travis Bryan Jr. had many passions: his family, his community, First National Bank, golf, and, to him most important, God. He served all of them well.
The best that can be said of a man is that he left his community, his state and his world a better place.
Because of Travis Bryan Jr., this is a much better place to call home.
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