William "Bryan" Tapley

William “Bryan” Tapley, 52, loving husband to the late Barbara Jean Black Tapley, entered into his eternal rest Thursday, February 2, 2023, at his home in Kite.  Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00PM Sunday, February 12, 2023 with the Reverend Richard Stavely officiating.  The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00PM prior to the service Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2023.

Born to Judy Thigpen Gingery and the late Sentell Tapley in Swainsboro, Bryan grew up in Wadley and attended Jefferson County schools, mainly in Louisville. He has been described as being a “jack of all trades” and being able to do just about anything he set his mind to.  He did fabrication work for many years at Rachel’s Machine Shop and was an excellent welder. Bryan was mostly known as a tree surgeon, working for Bowen Tree Surgeons based in Midville.  A true Southern good ‘ole boy, he loved fishing, hunting and any outdoor activity.  Bryan was “country” and proud of it.  He even had an 800-lb pet pig named Sue, that he loved like one of his own.  A people-person and a jokester, Bryan wanted people to be happy and always tried to make people laugh and have a good time. His good-natured attitude made him a pleasure to be around. A believer, he was a member of Oaky Grove Baptist Church. Bryan met his best friend—the love of his life—and got married in 1998, living in Wadley before making their home in Kite.  Bryan loved his family—his grands stole his heart and gave him much joy. After the loss of his one true love, his heart never truly mended nor did he regain his joy for life. He seemed to be waiting on the day they would be together again in Heaven. That day has come and they are both at peace, worshipping their Lord and Savior.

Bryan was also preceded in death by a brother, Mike Smith.  Others left to cherish his memories include his children, Magan Watts, Cody Tapley (Carli Pope), David Black (Kendra), Stephanie Hall and Gene Hall; eighteen grandchildren, Don Lee Watts, Holli Tapley, Hayden Tapley, Chaz Black, Holly Black, Kelbie Dismuke, Bentlee Youmans, Allie Black, Hannah Black, McKenzie Black, Oakleigh Black, Landon Hall, Payton Hall, Morgan Williford, James Jackson, Judah Hall, Brayden Hall and Maddison Hall; five siblings, Bobby “BJ” Petty (Claudia), Randy Gingery (Alice), Dale Gingery (Vicky), Nicole Cooley (Damon) and Tim Smith (Tasha); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and friends.

Because of the sudden, unexpected nature of their loss, the family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home, PO Box 588, Wrens, GA 30833.