Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Dr. Robert Lewis Bryan, age 84, passed peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born May 9, 1942, in Allendale County, South Carolina, Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Robert grew up on his family’s farm in Luray, South Carolina. He attended Allendale-Fairfax High School, where he was salutatorian and vice president of his senior class and participated in track, basketball, and football, becoming part of the state all-star football team.
He went on to play football at Clemson, and after graduating remained a devoted Clemson football fan all his life. He then received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (D.V.M.) from the University of Georgia.
He worked for a veterinary practice in Brooksville, Florida, where he met his wife, Kay. After marriage, they lived on the farm in Luray before moving to Atlanta, where they spent most of their lives. At the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Dr. Bryan created and ran an animal health program for which he visited each dairy farm in Georgia annually, protecting the quality of Georgia’s milk supply through proactive monitoring for conditions such as mastitis.
Robert is survived by his wife, Kay Whigham Bryan; daughter, Sherri Lisenby and son-in-law Jared Lisenby; son, Jeff Bryan and daughter-in-law Christina Schubert; and grandchildren Bryant, Marshall, Charlotte, and John.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Woodrow and Florence Jones Bryan; as well as his sister Betty Gill and brother Jones Bryan.
The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Silver Comet Village in Powder Springs, Georgia, as well as everyone from Inspire Hospice of Kennesaw, Georgia, and also to Dean and everyone at Keith Smith Funeral Services in Allendale, South Carolina who have all been a great help during this difficult time.
Services will be held at Beech Branch Baptist Church in Luray, South Carolina at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2.
Memorials can be made to the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University.
Keith Smith Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
