Joseph M. Bryan was one of Greensboro's "larger than life" citizens of the 20th century. To outline his contributions to Greensboro- and beyond- leaves one at risk of omitting aspects of his multi-faceted life. He was a family man, businessman, civic minded person, and philanthropist.
Born in Ohio in 1896, Mr. Bryan came to Greensboro in 1931 a few years after marrying Kathleen M. Price whose father founded the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. Mr. Bryan worked through the ranks of his father-in-law's company to become senior vice president. He was a charter member of the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame; served as Chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Elections; was a recipient of the North Carolina Award in Public Service; and was Honorary General Chairman of the Greensboro Open PGA Tour.
Although he died in 1995, sitting in the boardroom of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation looking at the above portrait of Mr. Bryan, one can sense his philanthropy hard at work. Driving on Bryan Boulevard; stopping by the Bryan School of Business; playing golf at Bryan Park; walking past the Jefferson-Standard building; watching the Wyndam Golf Championship; exercising at the Bryan Family YMCA; attending a Bryan Series lecture; or sorting through the Bryan papers, Mr. Bryan's contributions to Greensboro are tangibly and ubiquitiously evident.
Today is ABC Wednesday and B is for Bryan. For Round 9, we are featuring people, past & present, who have contributed significantly to Greensboro. For Round 8, we featured A-Z streets. View the archives here.
I like the way you theme your ABC's. I am not nearly so organized as to manage that for 26 different letters!
And I love ampersandseven's blog. I look forward to each new countdown!
Posted by: VioletSky | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 08:39 AM
Sounds like he was a very interesting person...
Pheno, ABC wednesday Team
Posted by: Pheno Menon | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Yes, I like your discipline too.
Interesting man.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 08:50 AM
I love hearing about great philanthropists, they are always so inspiring.
Posted by: Lily | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Interesting bit of history!
Posted by: Linnea | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 12:19 PM
We need a few more people on this earth like Mr. Bryan! ABC Wednesday interests me,I shall look into this.
In reply to you comment,Wow! strangeness I was at the dentist Monday of this week. The small but mighty Janis army is growing...eeeeeexcellent (rubs hands together for effect).
Posted by: Janis | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Sounds like a wonderful human being. What a nice tribute you have given. Thanks!!
Posted by: Wanda | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 06:25 PM
I wish to be like this man when it comes to the workplace. The way he showed his dedication and achieved his goal is a fine example for all of us.
Posted by: dentist Sydney City teeth whitening | Tuesday, January 03, 2012 at 03:13 AM