Obituary of Ricky Bryan

Ricky Bryan, age 47, of Coweta passed from this life on Saturday evening, July 25, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 20, 1962 in Wagoner, OK to Jack and Sandra (Ezell) Bryan. Ricky received his education in the Coweta school system and graduated from Coweta High School in 1980. He then attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football for four years. Ricky was a two-time All-American defensive lineman for OU in 1982 and 1983. He set a record that still stands for most career tackles by a Sooner lineman. He was a three-time All-Big Eight player at OU during his career from 1980-1983. He received the Don Key Award in 1983. Ricky became a first-round draft choice with the Atlanta Falcons. In 1984 he was the NFL-NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was the NFL Lineman of the Year in 1987. He retired after playing ten years with the Atlanta Falcons. Following his professional career, Ricky spent many years coaching and mentoring young athletes in basketball and football. He was instrumental in forming the Coweta Little League Football Booster Club and served as it’s President for many years. He also served as a Lay Coach for the Coweta High School football program. Ricky was also a rancher. He and Shelby Manry were united in marriage on July 31, 1982 in Coweta, OK. Ricky was a member of First Baptist Church. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, cattle, and he loved spending time with his family. Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Jack Bryan. Ricky is lovingly survived by his wife, Shelby of the home; one son, Michael Bryan of Coweta, OK; two daughters, Kristin Bryan of Coweta, OK and Jenni Bryan of the home; his mother, Sandra Bryan of Broken Arrow, OK; two brothers, Mitch Bryan of Norman, OK and Steve Bryan of Coweta, OK; one sister, Terri Pearcy of Benedict, KS; seven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Coweta High School Gymnasium with Rev. David Jones officiating. Merv Johnson, Special Assistant to the A. D. and Director of Football Operations at OU will also be speaking. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to Ricky’s family online @ www.wrightfh.net. The family of Ricky Bryan entrusted his care and services to Wright Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, (918) 486-5515. Casket Bearers will be Wade Withers, Kraig Withers, Mike Foster, Dave Puckett, Ralph Keel, Chris Benson, Donnie Krumsiek, Lloyd Calvert, Mike Gann, and Scott Case. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Jimmy Calicoat, Fred Houser, Judge Bruce Sewell, Scott Brians, Landon Isham, Steve Van Tuyl, and Tom Beller. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coweta High School girl’s basketball program. Ricky had a heart as big as he was and he will be deeply missed.