Walter James Bryson III

In Loving Memory of Colonel Walter Bryson III

July 17, 1929 - March 7, 2026

Colonel Walter Bryson III, age 96 of Tallahassee, Florida passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Walter Bryson III was born to Walter J. Bryson, Jr & Irene Daphne Colson July 17, 1929. He was a graduate of Leon High School, and attended Emory University and graduated from the University of Florida as a member of Sigma Epsilon (SAE) fraternity class. He assisted in the founding of the SAE fraternity at FSU.

Walter married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Bryson April 24, 1953 who passed in 2019.

He joined the United State Marine Corp reaching the rank of Colonel. He became a pilot and could often be seen flying low over St. Teresa to the delight of his family and friends. After his tour in the service he returned to Tallahassee and went to work with his father-in-law, Hugh Mays of Mays Electric. He was also the manager of Seminole Flying Service.

Walter is best known as the founder of the famous Barnaby's Family Inn in 1970 that served the Tallahassee community for over 50 years.

He is survived by his three children, Julie Oven (Raney), Walter Bryson IV (Sharon), and Letitia Willis (Craig); his grandchildren, Lea Barnes, Rachel Miller, Alex Bryson, Mary Caitlin Willis and Caroline Benton Willis; great grandchildren, Camryn Miller, Cael Miller, and Laney McDonald and brother-in-law George K. Walker. His sister, Betty Hosford passed away in 2011.

A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery.