Robert Steve Bryan's Obituary
Robert Steve Bryan, better known as Steve, passed away unexpectedly on July 14th, 2025, after complications from a recent surgery for throat cancer. He was 74 years old and was born in Gainesville, Florida on February 15th, 1951.
He is survived by his mother, Ruth Klaas Bryan, his loving wife, Kelly Manning Bryan, sons Stevie Lee Bryan and Michael Wylder Bryan, his granddaughter Harmony Eve Bryan, his nephew Rick (Rhonell) Wilkins, Rick’s daughter’s Rikki (Kenley) Hunt, and Randa (Will) Whitehurst. He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee Bryan, his sister, Elizabeth Idell Beckham and brother-in-law, Richard Dale Beckham.
Steve was very artistic and loved to play his guitar. His love for music grew and continued throughout the many years his family’s night club Bobby’s Hideaway was in business. Whether it was fixing plumbing, putting together bands, or keeping Bobby out of the sound booth life was never dull. Steve and his wife Kelly were the only people ever married in the Hideaway during the storms from Hurricane Allison.
In 1985 and 1995 respectively Stevie Lee Bryan and Michael Bryan were born. Steve was actively involved in their lives and very proud of them both. He always made sure to tell them he loved them because he did deeply and was always their biggest fan. He loved the time they spent playing pool, fishing or throwing hatchets.
Another thing Steve was a big fan of was the Florida Gators. When his son Michael was young, he would send him to Tallassee all decked out in Gator garb. His in-laws always good sports reciprocated with full Seminole garb.
In the early 90’s Bryan and Bryan Contracting Inc. started mowing the right-of-way’s for both the JEA and the Florida DOT. Many years and many miles of mowing ensued. In 2003, after completing their last DOT contract they started a commercial condo and carpet cleaning business in Saint Augustine. After 18 years, Steve retired and eventually moved to Melrose to take care of his mother. His wife Kelly was already the caregiver for her mother, and he dedicated the last years of his life taking care of his beloved mother and his card playing friend and buddy Nana.
Steve was an incredibly talented artist and loved to paint, with his loved one’s the inspiration for his masterpiece’s. He often painted animals especially his or his friend’s pets. One of his biggest passion’s was his love for animals. He was a huge dog lover and if you saw Steve, he was usually walking his dog. What some people may not know he helped TNR more than 30 cats and they still feed the remaining cats 13 years later. He was always willing to jump in and help an animal. With that in mind:
In lieu of flowers, any donations you would like to make to the local animal shelter in Steve’s name would certainly spread the love for those animals in need.
You will be greatly missed, and you were loved by many. Fly high and rest in peace for the constant pain is no more.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 26th, 2025. Visitation begins at 10 am and the service will begin at 11 am at the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home. Address: 404 North Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601.
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