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Wheeler Funeral and Cremation Services

11405 Brown Bridge Road

Covington, Georgia

Ray Bryan Obituary

Ray Bryan, age 77, of Covington, Georgia, died April 26, 2006. Mr. Bryan was born in East Point to the late James Raymond Bryan and Ruth Smith Bryan. He retired from the City of East Point Fire Department as Captain with 20 years of service and was the former owner operator of Bryan Service Company Heating & Air. He served as a Santa Clause for over 20 years in the Atlanta area and was known to all as Santa Ray. A kind, loving and caring man who put others before himself and had a passion for helping those in need. Mr. Bryan enjoyed talking to people and could strike a conversation with any one he met.
Mr. Bryan is preceded in death by a son James Bryan. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Cindy Bryan of Covington, GA, daughters Beth Knight of South Carolina, Donna Oliver of Lithonia, GA, sons Jerry Bryan of Dahlonega, GA, Dan Bryan of Atlanta, GA, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother, W.S. "Bill" Bryan of Rome, GA and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Bryan will be held Eleven O'clock Saturday morning April 29, 2006 in the chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial park. The family will receive friends Friday, April 28, 2006 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Flowers are accepted or in lieu of flowers please make donations to Children's Health Care Atlanta or a charity of your choice in Ray Bryan's memory. Wheeler Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of the arrangements, 11405 Brown Bridge Rd. 770-786-7111.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockdale Citizen on Apr. 28, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Bryan

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kimberly faulkner

May 8, 2006

Dear Santa Ray,

We know you are in a better place now because you have told the story of Jesus Christ to my two children as "THE SANTA". I want to thank you for spreading that wonderful story to children all around the world. You have touch so may children's lives as well as adults. I just want to say thank you for every bit of happiness you have brought to my children, myself, and many more. I only knew you as Santa but I can only imagine the wonderful husband, father and friend you were to so many people. You will truly be missed by many!

Love, The Faulkner Family

Macon, GA

Nancy Anderson Forst

May 8, 2006

Our family just found out about the death of Ray - we were so shocked and saddened. Our prayers go out to his wife and family.



Nancy Anderson Forst (Big Dog's daughter).

Mike & Janet Zoellner

May 2, 2006

Santa Ray,

You spread your love across the entire country through the families of your Marco Island friends. You will be missed from coast to coast. Right in the heart of the country is the Zoellner family that you touched so deeply, our hearts are heavy but our memories are fond. You will never be forgotten, you will always be loved, you will be with our family forever in our hearts and minds. Thank you Santa Ray for so many wonderful memories, and Thank you Cindy for making it possible. Our Love, Mike & Janet

Linda Boyd

May 1, 2006

Cindy,

I was so heartsickened to hear about your lost of Ray, he was a great inspiriation too many others. Ray totally believed and lived the part of Santa and was a Santa to many people year round. His picture sits under our tree every year and will continue to do so. He is one Santa that can never be replaced in the hearts of many. My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss.

Santa Mark Moore

April 29, 2006

To the family of Santa Ray: It was such an honor meeting Santa Ray 18 months ago in Atlanta. He was a kind and loving individual and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with each of you.

Tammy Boyd

April 29, 2006

Cindy we were sadden to hear about Ray, may God comfort you in your time of need. Our prayers are with you. Love always David and Tammy Boyd and family

Rhonda Hinson-Garner

April 28, 2006

Cindy,

I worked at Henderson's Grocery for a many of years and you and Ray were like family to me. You will always be in my heart. He will be sadly missed by many people.

Love always,

Rhonda Chapman-Hinson and Tandi Hinson

Barbara P. Wood

April 28, 2006

Thanks to Mr. Bryan for the wonderful memories I will always have of my granddaughter's visits with Santa. Those visits were very special to her and to us, as we enjoyed seeing her with Santa. He was so kind to her and to us as her family. He will certainly be missed. He was a very special Santa. My prayers and thoughts are with the Bryan Family.

Rev Tim Walden

April 28, 2006

Ray you will be missed. I had breakfast each morning with Ray. He would ask me questions about the Bible. He called me Little Preacher and Rabbi. He was kind and considerate.He is now in heaven. He told me a few days ago that he was thinking of Jimmy and he started crying He said he knew something was going to happen and he didnt know what it was and he wanted me to pray for him I did Ray you will never be forgotten Love you Santa

April 28, 2006

Cindy,

We are shocked and saddened to hear about Ray's sudden death. He brought such joy to so many. Everywhere I go, people tell me about their Santa experiences and how much he was loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.

Our deepest sympathy,

Patti and Earl Pennington

Misti Bradley

April 28, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

nancy bingham

April 28, 2006

Dear Santa, you brought joy and fun to our christmas with family and frinds. you will be missed by so many. the Jesus pen you always wore is now engraved on your heart and now you are sitting on His lap. i hope all the wishes you asked for have come true. The Bs and the Ds

Susie

April 28, 2006

Thank you Mr. Bryan for the magic and wonder that you brought into my children's eyes. You will be greatly missed.

Tim Holder

April 28, 2006

My heart broke when I saw the notice of Mr. Bryan's passing. Never will I forget the encouragement and guidance he gave to me while playing high school football with his son Dan. Like my father, regardless of his hectic schedule, Mr. Bryan was always there in support on Friday nights. God Bless you Santa, and God Bless you Danny, and the entire family.

Tim Holder

Linda Hutson

April 27, 2006

Santa Ray gave us 17 years of fond Christmas memories at Phipps Plaza. His kindness will never be forgotten. Our family will treasure the memory of him forever. May he rest in peace. Love the Hutson family, Marietta, GA

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

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Wheeler Funeral and Cremation Services

11405 Brown Bridge Road P. O. Box 1082, Covington, GA 30016

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