Elder David Lawrence Bryson, affectionately known as “Pop” or “Poppa” by his children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and nieces and nephews, entered into his rest and ceased from his labors on August 7, 2026, at the age of sixty-five.

David entered this world on January 29, 1961, born to Paul and Bernice Bryson in Demorest, Georgia. His father was an ordained Baptist minister and the family traveled with him as the Spirit led – preaching and pastoring at churches in various states including Indiana, California, and Kentucky.

David shared 47 years of marriage with his wife, Amanda. Together, they lovingly built a family with patience and glue that became one of the most precious parts of his life and legacy: seven children, their spouses whom he loved as his own, and a growing generation of grandchildren.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Amanda Olds Bryson of Homer, Georgia, seven children: Tangi Bryson Wheet (Jack Wheet) of Smiths Grove, Kentucky; Joshua David Bryson (Chelsea Petite Bryson) of Royston, Georgia; Jerry Bryson (Laura Brotherton Bryson) of Hartsfield, Georgia; Justin Bryson (Meredith Bernadyn Bryson) of Maysville, Georgia; Ashley Bryson Green (Michael Green) of Cornelia, Georgia; Kayla Bryson McGowan (Timothy McGowan) of Tampa, Florida; and Joshua George Lee Bryson (Nadean Goodbird Bryson) of Toccoa, Georgia.

He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren, with two more on the way; his sisters, Carol Bryson Savage (Tim Savage) of Cleveland, Georgia, and Cheryl Bryson Churchwell (Glenn Churchwell) of Homer, Georgia, as well as many extended family members and countless others who knew and loved him.

David was preceded in death by his father, Elder Paul Willis Bryson; his mother, Bernice Welborn Bryson; his brother, Vernon Ray Bryson; and his grandson, Karson Goodbird.

David was a man of deep faith, fiercely devoted to his family, with remarkable intelligence and unwavering integrity. Deeply philosophical by nature, he was a thinker, with a strength about him that was impossible to miss. He could be intimidating upon first meeting—and, with his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and famously dry sense of humor, he occasionally enjoyed that fact. He had the kind of humor that could leave someone wondering for just a moment whether or not he was serious; those who knew him best knew to look for the grin. Beneath the stern expression was a man of tremendous depth who earned both the respect and genuine affection of those who knew him.

On April 4, 1998, David Bryson was ordained to the full work of the ministry as an Elder by a presbytery of elders convened at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. In the company of the presbytery stood some of his closest and dearest companions in the faith: his cherished friend and pastor at that season, Elder Terrell Simmons; his beloved father, Elder Paul Bryson; and his steadfast brother in the Lord, Elder Roger Galloway.

Throughout the years of his ministry, he served as a bi-vocational pastor of at least three congregations and as interim pastor of another, while simultaneously building his career in telecommunications to support his growing family. In that labor he preached the Word, taught, baptized and witnessed many souls turn to Christ, and beheld lives wholly dedicated unto the Lord. He encouraged the faint-hearted, showed compassion to the afflicted, and poured out himself for the people of God.

Especially renowned was the Tuesday night Bible study held in his home—a gathering of the young marked by abundant fruit, warm fellowship, and the steady increase of that living faith which God works in His people. When not serving as pastor, he preached gladly wherever the Lord opened a door by invitation. He was ever present in seasons of grief and at funeral services, and he rejoiced to stand with couples at the marriage altar. His radio ministry, together with the wider reach of his labors, extended across the eastern portion of the United States, into Trinidad, and unto certain regions of Africa. In all these things he remained a faithful servant, ready both to mourn with those who mourned and to celebrate with those who rejoiced. David was known for encouraging those who were new to the ministry, receiving unknown preachers with dignity and the warmth of true brotherhood.

David served as President and was a founding partner of Utility Design Partners (UDP) based in Lincoln, Alabama, a company he was immensely proud to help build alongside his friend of forty years and company CEO, Ryan Kytle, and VP's Bill Farkas and Shayne Acton. But for David, its success was about more than growth or accomplishments. One of his greatest hopes was that the people who worked there would be able to say it was the best place they had ever worked. He would make a point to stop by each employee’s desk for a handshake and friendly conversation, genuinely wanting to know that they were happy and being treated well. It was characteristic of the way David moved through life: he cared about people. He believed in hard work, integrity, and high standards, but he also believed that people mattered - and he wanted those around him to be treated accordingly.

There were no “in-laws” in David and Amanda's family; when their children married, those spouses became their children, too. To his children, he was never “Dad” -- he was Pop or Poppa, a name that carried on naturally with his grandchildren and even some nieces and nephews who looked to him as a father figure. It was fitting, really: Poppa was more than a name, it reflected the love and respect of the family who looked to him.

David passed peacefully at home into the presence of the Lord, with Amanda by his side and surrounded by the love and presence of his children. In that sacred time, they were able to tell him again and again how deeply he was loved, and to thank him for being such a good father and husband. They take comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven, resting in the promise of the Lord who saved his soul when he was just a boy in his bed.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Elder Roger Galloway & Elder Terrell Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Homer, Georgia. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026. 

An online guest registry is available for the Bryson family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com 

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Elder David Lawrence Bryson.