Thomas J. Bryarly, 87, of Granite City, passed away 4:02 am March 19, 2012 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton.
Tom was born in Valpariso, IN the son of Roy and Helen (Flitter) Bryarly.
He married the former Carolyn “Sue” Cannady on November 11, 1952 in Valpariso, she preceded him in death.
He served his country in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific. He was a survivor of the USS Luce DD-522 which was sunk by Kamikazes in May of 1945 during the battle for Okinawa.
He worked as an over the road truck driver for several companies for over thirty years before retiring. He was an avid pilot mostly flying out of Bethalto, IL. He also raced for the Harley Davidson factory sponsored team and was twice Indiana state flat track champion. Tom was a member of the Granite City Masonic Lodge and Teamster Local 525.
Tom is survived by one son Harley “Butch” and spouse Anne Bryarly of Albuquerque, NM, two daughters and spouses Linda (Jack) Harris of Milledgeville, GA, Patricia (Ken) Gibbs of Dow, IL, nine grandchildren Jamie, Lindsey, Heather , Bryan, Scott, Matthew, Michael John and Nicholas, three great-grandchildren, one brother Robert Bryarly of Denver, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sue of fifty years, one daughter Sandy Bryarly and one son Patrick Bryarly.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL with Rev. George Humbert officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team.
Memorials may be directed to the 5 A’s Animal Shelter.
Elias Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
