He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was in the first graduating class of the Naval ROTC. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander and served as a naval aviator.

A celebration of his life is planned for Monday at 2 p.m. at Binkley Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Bryan; three daughters, Betsy Blackburn, Kelly Rudin and Maggie Haworth; two stepdaughters, Karla Hege and Judi Buchanan; a stepson, Wilson Turner; a brother, John W. Bryan; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OE Enterprises, 348 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough, N.C. 27517.

Arrangements are by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas. Online condolences at www.cremnc.com.