Percy Bryans

Percy Bryans, 104, of Palestine, IL, died August 4, 2021, in his home. He was born on September 17, 1916, in Russell Township, Lawrence County, IL, the son of Willie & Amanda (Gaines) Bryans, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Alice Rhine on July 3, 1940, and she preceded him in death on September 6, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Pauline Main, and by his brothers, Lloyd Bryans, Earl Francis Bryans, and Virgil Bryans. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Bob & Sandy Bryans (Flat Rock, IL); his daughters & sons-in-law, Sue Ann Smith (Palestine, IL), Kay & Jim Higgins (Tuscola, IL), Frances & Robert "Junior" McCord (Palestine, IL), Paula & Rad Burkett (Palestine, IL), and Mary Jo & Kevin Harris (Palestine, IL); by 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Percy grew up in rural Lawrence County and was a 1934 graduate of Lawrenceville High School. In 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and answered his country's call at the end of World War II. Back home, he worked for a number of grocery stores, including his own: B & M Grocery in Vincennes, IN. Eventually, he started working for Magill Hardware & Furniture in Palestine and was a familiar face there for many years before finally retiring well into his 80s. Time away from work often found him outside. As a young man, he spent many an afternoon on the pitcher's mound at local baseball and softball games. He and his family also loved riding horseback and had a number of their own. His love of horses never dwindled, as he and Alice spent countless hours watching races at the state fair and county fairs, making many dear friends along the way. He was, by all accounts, an avid hunter, as few things thrilled him more than dove and quail hunting alongside his pointer bird dogs. He found great satisfaction in tending to his yard, as well. More than any of this, however, he loved spending time with his family. Many evenings were spent together playing Canasta, Pitch, Euchre, and many other card games. In the twilight years of his life, few things brought more life to his living than going out with those he loved most in this world. No matter where they would go, he had a tendency to start conversations with whoever they'd run into, and invariably, he'd leave them with "Have all the fun you can!" This is exactly what Percy did throughout his 104 years. Though he lived a long life, it was evident that he filled it with joy. You could hear it in his stories, his quips, and in his one-of-a-kind laugh. As we who are left behind consider the life of Percy Bryans, we realize that life is what you make it. After all, he made his a good one. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 12th, at the East Union Cemetery, rural Palestine, with Pastor Paul Gray officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to either the "Pleasant View Church" or the "Palestine Public Library", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.