Thaddeus D. Bryson IV
February 27, 1937 ~ September 1, 2011
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Thad D. Bryson IV died the morning of September 1 at his home in Fletcher. He was 74. A man of strong personality, he will be remembered for his leadership and as one who made friends easily and kept them for life. Wherever he went, he was not long a stranger.
Thad had roots across the width of North Carolina. Born February 27, 1937, he was raised and schooled in Swain County where he was an outstanding athlete, playing football, baseball, and—notably—basketball. His picture appears in the Swain County Athletic Hall of Fame. Later he attended Pfeiffer College on a basketball scholarship, graduating in four years with a BA degree. He also attended the UNC Law School.
After college, he worked briefly for state government. In 1960, Thad followed a life-long interest in the military, enlisting in the Marine Corp and served in the Reserves. Thad married and entered a produce distributorship in Faison, NC that he helped build into a successful agribusiness. Years later, he was a key figure in the emergence of the North Carolina Citizens Militia, a state-wide group of retired military people dedicated to public safety.
In 1985 he returned to State government, serving as Emergency Management Coordinator for Sampson County, Area Coordinator in Western North Carolina, and finally as Logistics Director for the agency headquarters in Raleigh. It was a good fit as he was able to apply many of the skills he had acquired in business and as a volunteer fireman. Noteworthy was his expediting of aid to those whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Floyd that decimated Eastern North Carolina in 1999. He assisted in recovery planning for many other natural disasters affecting the state of North Carolina working long hours to assure people that their immediate needs were being considered and were met as quickly as possible.
Thad leaves behind his wife Joellen VanGorder-Bryson, a daughter Elizabeth Bryson of Austintown, OH, two sons, T.D. Bryson V of Faison, NC and Norman Bryson(Natasha) of Richlands, NC. Also surviving are three stepsons, Robert VanGorder (Erin) of Wallace, NC, John VanGorder (Amy) and Michael VanGorder of Asheville, NC. He was “Pappy” to many, four grandsons, Thad Bryson VI of LaGrange, NC and Daniel, Dalton, and Dylon Bryson of Goldsboro NC. He also has 12 step grandchildren, Kaitlynn VanGorder of Clinton, NC, Hannah, Aidan, and Joshua VanGorder of Asheville, NC, Kyle, Liam, and Caitlyn Miller of Wallace, NC, Shakaya, Tala, and Keilani Kloppenborg of Richlands, NC, David Paul and John Mark Flowers of Hillsborough, NC; as well as a sister and brother, Gail Elliott and Frederick Bryson, both of Bryson City, NC. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who added much joy to his life. His faithful black Lab, Jake was his constant daily companion on long walks about the neighborhood and Fletcher Park.
Thad was the son of the late Superior Court Judge Thaddeus D. Bryson III and Carolyn F. Bryson of Bryson City, NC. Also preceding him in death was a brother, Peter and sister, Charlotte Ann Martin.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 10am at the Groce Funeral Home Chapel on 856 Tunnel Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thad’s memory to the service agency, Hearts With Hands, PO Box 6444, Asheville, NC 28816.
Thad’s ashes will be released over the North Carolina Mountains he dearly loved. Mt. Mitchell will serve as the release site on October 1, 2011. “Semper Fi” to a gallant and courageous former Marine, a man of many facets, a loving heart and ever the Southern gentleman.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
God bless you and your family old buddy. I’ll miss you.
David
God bless you and your family old buddy. I’ll miss you.
David
Jo and family, we are shocked and saddened to learn of Thad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thad was a special person and one we will always be glad to have known. We haven’t forgotten that we share ‘almost’ the same wedding anniversary date! Let us know if we can help.
I am a good friend of BJ Loranger. BJ was T4’s niece (smile). When she told me of his passing, one of the things I said to her was, ‘A mighty oak has fallen in the forest of life.’ I lost my mother, maternal grandmother and maternal grandfather in a matter of 4 years. My heart arches with you Bryson family. Please find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering on this Earth but rejoicing high above the clouds! Take care and God bless you always, Regina Georgette Earp
Thad was a special person to me. He was a classmate, teammate and distant cousin. We always enjoyed recalling old memories and past events.
Jo, I am so sorry for your loss. You and you family are remembered at this time. Isa. 41:10 has been great comfort over the years.
Henry Dowling
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thad was such a great person and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was a privilege to know him and he will surely be missed.
Jo, I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God provide the strength to get you through this most trying of times.
Jo and Family,
Thad was larger than life itself, and his legacy will live on in all of us. Twenty years ago he took a young green horn under his wing and taught him how to do emergency management the right way, the Bryson way. He was a great mentor and a greater friend.
May God Bless and Comfort You,
Jo and family,
So sorry to learn of Thad’s passing. Please contact me if I can be of any help. God bless you all.
Love you,
Carlos
To Thad’s family: You are in our thoughts and prayers. Coy and Colleen (Smiley) Calhoun
Jo and family: I am so very sad for all of you during this sad occasion. Thad was such a wonderful man and loved all of you. Cherish your wonderful memories to get you through this. God bless you.
Much love, Robin and Bill
Jo and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thad was such a great person to be around, and he always made me laugh! My prayers will continue to be with your family! With Love, Myra Hill
Jo and Family,
Our thoughts and most importantly prayers are being lifted up for you and your family during this time. Thad was an incredible man who always made you feel special and valued in his presence.
Lori Hagan Massey
Clyde and Donna Hagan
Dear Family,
I did not know Mr. Bryson. I know of him because I’ve studied the first Thad Bryson. The Confederate Colonel for whom the town of Bryson City is named. I offer my sincere condolence to the family for a man who comes from the finest stock in WNC. It is with great sorrow that I witness the passing of one of our great elders.
Terell Garren
I served with Thad in the West Asheville Kiwanis Club years ago. He was affectionately called ‘Bull’ there, primarily by Jerry VeHaun and Mack Salley because of his Night Court appearance when several ‘Bulls’ showed up in one episode. I offer my condolences and prayers.
Everyone could always count on Thad to bring sound judgement and common sense to any incident, issue or situation. Perhaps just as important, he could also be counted on for high quality humor! My thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn this huge loss; his family at home and his family in EM offices throughout NC. ‘Well done my good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:14).
The Governor’ will certainly be missed. I am very sad for such a sudden loss. There are few men of great character like Thad in this world and he will be missed.
Mrs. Bryson and family I am so sorry for your loss. I was just starting EM and met Thad a few times but he was a smart and colorful person. He will be missed. Remember and take confort from Psalm 121.
Steve
Happy to have had the privilege to work with Thad at NCEM. He had a positive impact on my career. Saddened to hear and read of his passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy-
It was always great to work with Thad in our emergency management careers. More importantly it was my pleasure to call him my friend for over 25 years. He was a blessing in my life.
Thad was a friend and a professional colleague for over 25 years. He contributed significantly to the advancements of emergency management in North Carolina. He will be remembered as a member of the emergency management family, and he will be missed by all of us.
Rick and members of Thad’s immediate family, you have my sincere condolences. Thad was a staunch son of the Smokies and proud bearer of a name which looms large in the annals of Swain County. Go to final rest in the mountains you so loved, and as I bid you farewell it is with a fond and longing look backward to youthful days and bygone ways in the Bryson City we both cherished.
Jim Casada
Thad touched many lives in his career and those lives were made safer and better by his efforts. It was my pleasure to work with him at NCEM and I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thad was a great friend. His sense of humor always left a smile, sometimes in situations where there was very little to smile about. He will be missed.
We would like for you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Thad was a dear friend and will be fondly remembered.
Joellen I was sorry to hear about the loss of Thad. I still remember the happiness he brought into your life. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori
Jo,
My sincere thoughts and sympathy are with you during this time of the loss of your loved one.
Myra Ramsey
Jo:
Donna and I would like to express our sympathy in the passing
of Thad. At lot has happened since our National Guard days in Clinton.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you are ever in Dunn, please stop by and see us.
Donna and Chuck Robinson
I was very sad to learn of Thad’s death and though I have not seen him in many years, I will always remember him as a great friend and trusted colleague during my years at NC Emergency Management. He was a gentle giant who was always focused on the job at hand. I will always remember his great smile and wise words; his commitment was unsurpassed. Prayers to the family.
My prayers are with the family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
My Heartfelt sympathy goes out to Thad’s entire family during this time. I worked with Thad for many years in Emergency Management; I will truly miss him in the days ahead until we meet again. He was a very special colleague and friend. He brightened the day of all he was around and truly cared about his family, friends and the citizens of North Carolina. May God be with your family for many days to come, to comfort you as only he can.
Wanda & I share with you in your sadness with the death of Thad.He was a special friend & know that he will be missed by family & friends.Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this trying time in your life.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Bryson family. Thad was a treasure to work with in ‘the basement’ because he could always make us smile when things got tough. He made a difference in the lives of many people who never knew him.
Dear Family of Thad, I was lucky enough to know Thad from my first day in Emergency Management and he never failed to encourage me and help me at any time that I needed it. And during our lunch meetings of the minds at J and S over the last year it was good to have another Democrat when I was surrounded by Repulicains..I will miss him…Beau LoveLace
I have know Thad for a number of years thru Emergency Management and I truly respected him when he was Deputy Director of EM and also as a friend. He gave a lot to the EM community and always kept a smile on his face. He will be missed by all of us in EM and as a friend. God Bless his family during this time and our prayers are with them.
First I want to give my condolence to the family; you have my sincere prayers as I know he will be missed. Next, it was my pleasure to work with Thad over the years in Emergency Management. He had a wealth of knowledge and always a smile and laughter to keep your spirit up. It’s not goodbye but we all will meet again!
TO JOHN AND THE FAMILY WE ARE SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS.MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
NICK AND PATTY
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Joellen, Christy and I were saddened to hear of Thad’s passing. We pray that the Lord will comfort you in these hard times. Godspeed.
Thad was a wonderful friend and co-worker. I will miss his smile here but look forward to seeing him again. My prayers are with the family. He was a man I looked up to for leadership and advise. He will be missed.
Jo and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Bob (my husband) appreciaed Thad’s leadership and his devotion to an ex-marine. May the days ahead be filled with wonderful memories of a life well lived with a wonderful person!
God Bless,
Bob and Linda
Gregory
I knew Thad from him and Jake always walking down our street. He always had a wonderful smile and nice words to say to me and my family. I will miss his talks and his smile and Jake’s wet nose. May God bless his family and I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Jo, I am so very sorry to hear about Thad. I know you have spent some of your happiest years with him. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Dixie
My condolences to the family. I worked with Thad years ago in Sampson County. Thad was a good man.RIP Thad.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Thad’s family. I knew Thad most of my life, my earliest memory of Thad goes back to when I was 5 years old, he lived just across the river from me. Later in life I had the privilege to work with him in Emergency Management. In Emergency Management he always gave his best and then some. Thad loved his family, emergency management and his mountains. Thad was my friend and I will miss him dearly.
I am sorry to hear of Thad’s passing. I first met him in June of 86 at my first structure fire with the Herring VFD as a young firefighter. Working with him and watching how he conducted his EM work in Sampson county helped inspire me to go on and become a professional firefighter and set the standard on what an EM director should be. God bless the Bryson family.
So sorry to hear about Thad. We went to high school together and had some great memories.
Carry on my friend.
My prayers and thoughts are with you family. Thad was a great individual, joy to work with and I always had the greatest of respect for him. God Speed Sir.
I worked many years with Thad, he was a giant among men.
I feel it was an honor to have worked with Thad in several disasters and rescue operations while he was the go to man in NC Emergency Management. For those who never had the pleasure it was really a great feeling to know Thad was always supportive and would help in many ways. He helped more NC residents than he or his family would ever know and I can attest to his willingness to do the right thing. Thad was always a great guy even in times of emergency or calm and he will always be one of the individuals I credit with my own training and experience in Emergency Management. It was the positive inspiration he always had and I feel Warren Moore stated correctly he was more than a Giant among men. He was a great friend of mine and I know there is no doubt he will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him. My prayers are with the family and friends as I know he is still with many of us in his own special way. He would not have it any other way
As one of Sonny’s youngest nieces, I remember being intimidated by his sheer size as a child. Even after reaching my full height [5’0′] he towered over me, as he did most people I’m sure. I remember him teasing and tickling me over the years but always with a smile and a laugh. He always seemed to fill any room he entered and people just wanted to speak to him and get to know him. I will miss him and his unique humor greatly.
Uncle Sonny, I just want you to know that I have never forgotten the important lesson you taught me when I was around 3 years old: The location of my bellybutton along with the willingness to show everyone that I knew where it was. These days, however, much to my parents relief, I refrain from showing it to ‘just anyone’ that asks me where it is.
Jo, please accept the sincere condolences from myself and my family. You are in our prayers during this difficult time and always.
This was a man who made the world a better place. His great spirit should be an inspiration to us all.
May God be with us all, we’ve lost a hero.
Thaddeus is a distant relative of mine. It goes back to Daniel Granderson Bryson, and his brother John W. Bryson(who is my Great great great great Grandfather). I just wanted to send condolences to a relative, however distant.
Thad was always a bright spot in our family, and I always enjoyed his humor and zest for life. We will miss him !