William “Big Bill” Matthew Bryan Jr., a gentle giant with a heart to match, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on June 10th, 2025. He was born on November 23rd, 1944, in Missouri to Lida Lou Marler and William Bryan Sr., and was the eldest of 13 siblings — the proud anchor of a large, close-knit family.
Bill spent most of his life in New Jersey and Florida, where he built deep roots, lifelong friendships, and a reputation for kindness, humor, and hard work. He spent more than 60 beautiful years married to the love of his life, Angelina “Angie” Bryan. Together, they created a life filled with laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion.
He leaves behind his beloved son, William Matthew Bryan III, and his adoring granddaughters: Kylie Bryan, Aleia, Delia, Kirsten, and Alexis.
A lifelong residential painter by trade, Bill had the rare gift of lighting up every room he entered. His calming presence and quick wit could turn any moment into a cherished memory. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a stranger passing through, Bill made you feel like family. He’d never met a stranger.
He was known for always having a joke in his back pocket or a riddle ready to stump you — often with a twinkle in his eye and a laugh already on the way. It didn’t matter how many times you’d heard it before; somehow, it still made you laugh.
To those who knew him, Bill was more than a husband, father, and grandfather — he was a big brother, a loyal friend, and, proudly, “Uncle Bill” to many. Of all the roles he held, none brought him more joy or purpose than being a grandfather. He raised his granddaughter Kylie with deep love, forming a bond that words could never fully capture.
Now reunited with his beloved Angie, his mother Lida Lou, and several of his cherished brothers and old friends, Big Bill’s legacy of humor, warmth, and unconditional love will live on in every heart he touched.
April Kidwell
June 15, 2025, 4:17 pm
“I’m deeply sad as uncle Bill was such a funny special person, and his memory will always live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
Boris
June 15, 2025, 6:02 pm
Big Bill was my brother from another mother. He was tough when he had to be but 99% of the time he was all of what was said about him. I couldn’t have had a better friend than Bill we did a lot together some exciting and most normal like golf ,bowling.and fishing. I still don’t believe that I won’t be jetting to Florida to see Billy and Angie. Till we see each other again ❤️❤️
Gayle Semliatschenko
June 15, 2025, 8:21 pm
Bill we will miss you and Angie so much! Trips to Tampa will never be the same. I will miss your jokes and humor most of all and always being the best friend ever to Boris! Never wavering! Loyal was a name that should also be added❤️
Angel
June 15, 2025, 9:32 pm
Uncle bill and Aunt Angie were our second parents when we moved to Florida. They were a home a refuge, hugs, many laughs and source of comfort coming from a volatile living space.
Have had the chance to spend great times with uncle bill. We shot pool quite a bit, rap sessions in the living room, holiday meals, fun hanging at their englewood pool, his funny jokes, his magic tricks, his good nature and good belief systems. Loved his rebel spirit!
He was compassionate, empathetic, smart and believed in individual rights and freedoms. He was a man with conviction who was wise and did not preach but give suggestions in a very comforting, loving, and nurturing way.
Hope you are up there with your beautiful bride (with dad and so many others), with the answers to all the secrets the universe holds.
Love you sooooo much!
Pat DiBartolo
June 16, 2025, 4:18 pm
The best neighbors and friends a person could hope for. My heart was broken last year when Angie passed away and now it is broken again. Rest in peace my friend. I know you two are together again.
Lynn Bonds
June 16, 2025, 5:30 pm
Bill was the Woodtrail “newspaper.” He loved talking to people. Bill knew everyone. He loved people. He was a friend to all. He was so in love with his beloved Angie. He loved her cooking. He can enjoy all her cooking now. You will be miss, Bill. 💔