Robert Otis Bryson

Robert Otis Bryson, Jr., 87, of Charleston, SC, widower of Jean Marie Essick Bryson entered into eternal rest Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:27 p.m. at home surrounded by his loving family. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 2, 2015 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 2:27 p.m. Interment will follow in Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends in Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Otis Jr. was born November 27, 1927 in Newberry, SC, son of the late Robert Otis Bryson and Dell Scoggins Bryson. He was a graduate of St. Andrews High School, Cheerleader and Senior Class President. He attended Furman College and The College of Charleston. He then married the love of his life Jean Marie Essick on April 8, 1950. Robert opened Bryson's Gas Station in 1949 and is now known as Bryson's Garage. Otis Jr. was an avid horseman and riding Instructor, hunter, gun collector, fisherman and family man. Otis Jr. was also one of the founding members and former President of the Lowcountry Saddle Club. He was instrumental in various activities for the Saddle Club including the use of Mullet Hall Equestrian Center. He was also an Honorary Ranger at Mullet Hall. Otis Jr. was very supportive of his childrens' high school activities and served as president of the James Island High School Ramrod Club.

He is survived by his two sons, Robert O. Bryson, III., (Sandra), Charles M. Bryson (Janice); three daughters, Debra B. Johnson (Kenny), Nancy B. Schwartz (Paul), Dell B. Miner (Brian), six grandsons, James H. Smoak, III (Ashley), Jason R. Smoak (Kayce), C. Matthew Bryson (Madeline Powell), Jeremy D. Bryson, R. Austin Bryson (Morgan), Ramon B. Jarrell, and granddaughter, Izabella M. Heise, two great-granddaughters, Molly Harper Smoak and Kinsley Grace Smoak and two great-grandsons, J. Bryson Smoak and Jackson R. Smoak.

The family would like to thank Martha Goss, Jody Sullivan, Louann Canady, Cathy Clarey and Hospice of Charleston, for their love and caring support.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1605 Harbor View Road, James Island, SC 29412 and/or Faith Lutheran Church, 3374 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455.