Richard M. “Dick” Bryer, 80, went home to his Heavenly Father on April 24, 2026.

Dick was born on June 25, 1945, in Providence, Rhode Island, but spent much of his youth and adolescence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pursuing what would become a lifelong interest, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History from New England College in New Hampshire. Following his graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably for two years in Germany during the Vietnam War era, achieving the rank of E-5.

After his time as a service member, Dick devoted much of his professional life to public service and education. He first served in the Registrar’s Office at Florida SouthWestern State College (then Edison Community College) in Fort Myers, Florida, and later continued his career with the Florida Department of Health in Lee County. Several years after his retirement he relocated to Franklin, NC.

A man of wide-ranging interests, Dick had a love for learning, cooking, and traveling. He was an avid reader and a regular volunteer with the Franklin Friends of the Library bookstore. He was also an active member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, and a long time friend of Bill W.

In 1981, Dick married Carol Mahoney who preceded him in death in February 1985. On October 11, 1986, he married Virginia “Ginny” Wendland, with whom he shared nearly 40 blessed years.

He is survived by his wife, Ginny; his brother, Russell (JoEllen); his stepchildren, Michelle (Chris) Tredway, Paul Wendland, Laura Dasta, Beth Miller, and Verella Dougherty; his grandchildren, Jarrod Tredway, Jonathan (Ellynne) Tredway, Alexis Wendland, Kirsten (Tim) Smith, Trey Dougherty, Adrian Dougherty, and Brogan Dougherty; and his great-grandchildren, Ezra Tredway, Ellie Smith, Zeke Smith, and Nora Smith.

A memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Emeritus John Brunner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Friends of the Library Bookstore in Franklin, North Carolina, honoring Dick’s lifelong love of reading.