Paul William Bryant Jr. (born c. 1945) is an American banker, investor and philanthropist from Alabama. A half-hour or more has passed. "No kidding, it's my daughter's first name, too!" The funeral service at the First Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa was deeply religious, with little reference to Bryant's career or character. The living room takes up the front of the house, with a television at one end and, on the wall, a poem about footsteps in the sand, which ends with God telling a follower: "The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.". He not only participated in the creation of this visual resource but he was also responsible for the organization and intellectual control of the collection. As always, Varner stood in the background. His voice ticks up a few notches. His nickname stemmed from his having agreed to wrestle a captive bear during a theater promotion when he was 13 years old. Billy saw him weak and insecure. The illness forced him to miss a year of school and the after-effects zapped his strength to play the game his father coached. Bryant realizes his business career got off to a quick start, and that his family ties were an asset. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Varner went home to rest, and that's where he was when the phone rang again. "My dad says he named me Bryant so that I wouldn't grow up to be an Auburn fan. Collectively, it saved 41,000 acres of battlefield land in over 120 states during Bryants board tenure. 'I think Coach Bryant was the greatest leader this country ever had,' said his former All-America and Dallas Cowboy linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. Kobe Bryant Family Settles Photo Lawsuit For $28.5 Million Another large circulating newspaper during this time was the Kentucky Leader (formed by a group of Fayette County Republicans in 1888) which eventually became known as the Lexington Leader in 1901. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- There is a scene in the 1985 comedy "Spies Like Us" in which Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd, posing as doctors, enter a tent full of actual doctors. The young people in the photo above waited at a tombstone, while those in the photo below watched television coverage of the funeral at Tuscaloosa. omething remarkable happens when Billy figures out where the den is located -- at first, he stood in the living room confused while Susie called his name over and over -- and inches down the hall, through the kitchen where Coach sat one time for supper, into a room decorated with photographs of Bear Bryant. It's lunchtime. He'll dress in the middle of the night and try to leave, his pajamas rolled up in his hand. He only serves on one committee, but he does carry some influence with other board members. The extended family includes about a. Whatever order was brought on by the photographs disappears. "I just don't know what's going to happen to him," Varner said. (File Photo/ The Huntsville TImes) The Huntsville Times, Former Alabama student Tammy Rogers at graveside service for Alabama coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Ala. on Friday Jan. 28, 1983. City & town life -- Kentucky -- Lexington. "What do you mean, I didn't play football? [1] [2] He is a founder of the Civil War Trust in Washington D.C. and personally underwrote the merger with the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites that created the modern Civil War Trust. [13], He is married, and has three daughters. In 2012, Bryant Bank was awarded the Revitalizing Your Community Award by the American Bankers Association, in large part for the bank's work after the April 27, 2011, tornado that devastated the community. "I'm not sure I've enjoyed all of it. Other sports notables at the funeral included New York Jets quarterback Richard Todd, Jets defensive lineman Marty Lyons, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan, former Georgia Tech Coach Bobby Dodd, Duke Coach Steve Sloan, former Ohio State Coach Woody Hayes, Florida Coach Charlie Pell, former Arkansas Coach Frank Broyles and Auburn Coach Pat Dye. Gaps open between the words, and sentences turn staccato. [2] By 2011, he sold it to Cemex, a Mexican construction corporation, for US$350 million. Collection is open for research by appointment only. "So little coming out of it. 1983 Press Photo Alabama-Young man gives final salute to Coach "Bear" Bryant. Or at least the part of Alabama that doesn't care about UAB football. Alabama-Air view of cemetery at "Bear" Bryant's funeral. With the nomination tied up in the Legislature, trustee Frank Bromberg decided to resign, which allowed Bryant to fill the sixth district slot in April 2000. Even Mrs. Bryant didn't know him as well as Billy did. "There's not much really you can talk about Billy," Rutledge said. The 69-year-old Bryant -- fairly or not, accurately or not -- is seen by supporters of UAB football, and maybe supporters of UAB period, as public enemy No. "Then," he added, "I'll do the same with Paul.". He's out having lunch and out doing business, so (to say he is a) recluse is maybe a little too strong, but he has certainly guarded his private life as well as anyone could with that name and with the things he has done.. They put him on night traffic, and that first winter, he caught pneumonia. 1983 Press Photo Alabama-Fans watching T.V. T Hilburn's mother was Mae Martin Bryant, and Paul Murray's mother is Mae Martin Murray, the daughter of Paul "Bear" Bryant Jr. and, like Mary Harmon Hilburn, the granddaughter of Paul "Bear" Bryant . Paul W. Bryant Jr. sat down recently for a rare interview, giving insight into his involvement with UA athletics - both real and rumored - as well as a revealing glimpse into his personality, his background and the school's growth during his time on the board of trustees. Paul Bryant Jr., a banker and the coach's only son, says his father established the fund in 1973. . All he has to show for two decades of service are his memories, and even those often hang just out of reach. Bryant established two dozen operating companies and over 50 real estate ventures and syndicates. 1983 Press Photo Alabama-Fans climb tree to watch "Bear" Bryant's funeral. He's an honorary assistant coach for the 1975 season. ", "Bryant " "Bryant " "Bryant " "Bryant ". [7], He served on the board of trustees of the University of Alabama[3][6] until September 2015 and previously served as its chairman. Bryant, who won 323 games in his 38 seasons -- more than any other college coach -- died Wednesday of a heart attack only 28 days after retiring. He puts a finger over his lips and says, "Shhh." Paul Bryant Obituary (2006) - Topeka, KS - Topeka Capital-Journal Alabama-Fans climb tree to watch "Bear" Bryant's funeral. Billy sits up, his voice and cane rising at the indignity. The house--a classic Tudor-style--was owned by Harmon's family. * This list only holds up to 10 photographs. Voit muokata valintojasi milloin tahansa napsauttamalla tietosuojan hallintapaneelin linkki sivustoissamme ja sovelluksissamme. [1] He was described by The Birmingham News as "among the most private of men, largely a mystery to many."[1]. A funeral procession three miles long, consisting of more than 300 cars and six buses carrying Bryant's last University of Alabama team and many of his former players, drove the 60 miles to Birmingham behind the white hearse after funeral services in Tuscaloosa. "It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key: That key is Russian national interest.". He doesn't seek the limelight, that's for sure, said McNair, who served as sports information director at UA under Bear Bryant and who now publishes Bama Magazine. The roots of this bond, like many things with Bryant, are full of mystery, myth and misinformation. But many mourners wore crimson and white, the colors of the Crimson Tide. All his memories are still in there, somewhere, only much of the time he can't translate them into words. I think that's one reason, McNair said, that he has put so much money (in the form of donations) into museums at the university., In 2005, Bryant founded Bryant Bank, which he calls my winding-down project.. The University of Alabama System: Board of Trustees: Paul W. Bryant Jr. Greenetrack shareholder lawsuit alleges president, management misused funds, Four stockholders file suit against Greenetrack CEO and board officers. The coverage of the newspaper has grown over the years and while its focus has always been on the Lexington Metropolitan area (including 7 additional counties) it presently circulates in 78 of 120 counties throughout central andeastern Kentucky. ", As high school student Cameron Bryant Collier mingled with incoming Alabama freshman Bryant Edward Rich (as you've likely figured out, the reunion crowds skew very young), Leonard Bryant Jackson joked that he was going to yell out "Hey, Bryant!" [2] He was also the co-founder of Alabama Reassurance Co., later known as Alabama Life Reinsurance Co., a reinsurance company. Varner never felt comfortable enough to strike up conversations with Bryant, but he could poke at the Legend of The Bear. Billy told her not to worry about Coach. He spends a long minute staring at the remote control, trying to figure out how to turn up the volume. he man Billy Varner is remembering has very little in common with the Bryant who is beloved by so many Alabama fans. Paul W. Bryant Jr. Net Worth in 2021. We'd go to the stadium. Few appear to believe that and instead see the trustees, with Bryant Jr. at the helm, as a force that for years has refused to support the team. While Bryant won't talk about it, it is believed he has given millions more to UA for non-athletic needs. John C. Wyatt Lexington Herald-Leader photographs, https://lhlphotoarchive.org/ark:/16417/th71m0q2fr6vl, This item is 1 of 3716 items in the series ". You can reach up and feel it. Bryant. I was a big guy " -- Billy sits up in his chair, and his face becomes menacing; he bows up his shoulders and arms -- " and by the time those bullets go through me, he's gone. Even with names. The origins of the Lexington Herald-Leader can be traced back over 130 years to the Lexington Daily Press. She picks back up the conversation about Bryant, and Billy sits across the narrow room, listening. Rutledge played for Bryant's first team and was an assistant on his last, and when he realized that he would be sharing new information, he clammed up. Hundreds of cars were lined up alongside the interstate in Birmingham to watch the procession pass. Billy picked him up in the morning. Gov. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Sure did. For many years, Bryant has been accused of running the Alabama board of trustees like a family business, "holding secret meetings, shrugging off public records requests, ignoring or sidestepping the law. Billy always walked a few feet in front of Bryant, for reasons he's trying to recall. John C. Wyatt Lexington Herald-Leader photographs. Varner told even him no. Kobe Bryant Shares First Photo of 'Little Princess' Capri Kobe - Peoplemag The bird dogs are German shorthaired pointers and English pointers. Because this is my wife and it's her middle name! [2] He also served as general manager of minor league baseball's Birmingham Barons. Take a look inside former Bear Bryant home up for sale This photograph was published on Feb 24th, 1948 (1948-02-24), 1.03-1497.01. He was born in Birmingham while his father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Which non-quarterback group will define each top-25 team's season? He smiles and clacks his cane. A decade ago, speaking of efforts by UAB to decrease its athletics department deficit, Bryant offered: "You can put any spin you want on it, but if you aren't selling tickets, the money isn't there.". ", You think Paul "Bear" Bryant is dead? This was Bryant's last game as the head football coach at the University of Alabama. "He won't make it without coaching.". BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Eight husky players carried Paul 'Bear' Bryant to his grave under a bare hickory tree and more than 8,000 mourners in two cities said goodbye Friday to the man they called the greatest football coach who ever lived. "Too many football games," he says. Married with three daughters, Bryant is known to be a student of American history, especially the Civil War. At the end, when Bryant was sicker than anyone knew, Billy heard the private coughs. "We hear about people really almost exclusively through word of mouth," explained Ken Gaddy, director of the Paul W. Bryant Museum, located in the heart of the University of Alabama's campus. When Paul took his grandson fishing, Billy came along. There are actions that tell of unseen turmoil and doubt, but Bryant is never revealed. He took care of business, and he kept everything to himself, even after Bryant died. His eyes get wide. Watts has said he, not University of Alabama System trustees made the decision to shut the football program down. "What do you know about the story where Coach Bryant and Billy met?" Alabama-They began gathering in the early morning fog at Elmwood Cemetery today. Kobe . Croakies to hold sunglasses, cuff links, purses, both the kind with handles and clutches. Billy was worried, and maybe that's why he offered a rare piece of insight to a local reporter. Roll Tide!" (AP Photo), Press Photo Woody Hayes At Bear Bryant Funeral, Woody Hayes - Bear Bryant Funeral. It was perhaps the most oddly attired gathering of mourners the cemetery had ever seen. I spend virtually all my time in Greene County, Bryant said. Paul Bryant Jr. Profiles | Facebook [2] He went on to establish more tracks in Texas (for example in La Marque, Texas), Idaho, and Iowa. And yet they don't, and they almost certainly won't. Try 100. He was with him almost 24 hours a day.". Bryant has been called by critics "Little Bear" or "cub," terms which seemed aimed at diminishing him compared to his legendary father, who Bryant calls "Papa. His voice becomes higher-pitched, quick but not rushed, with confidence in the direction of the words, without the long pauses to read the maps inside his mind. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). 1983 Press Photo Alabama-Man mourns at Coach "Bear" Bryant's funeral site. The number of people left alive who knew that Paul is small. [1] His father, Bear Bryant, was an American football player and coach. I didn't use it but one time. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He saw him cry. "I always did want me the old-timey ice cream freezer," she says. "Yes, sir, we've got Paul and Bryant covered right there in one house.". On the worst, Billy, who is 76, doesn't recognize Susie. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Paul 'Bear' Bryant's family remembers the legend, and the person behind it His voice might be what affects her most. They're probably dead themselves because I was a fast gun. He laughs and claps his hands. All rights reserved (About Us). Jos haluat muokata valintojasi, napsauta Hallitse tietosuoja-asetuksia. Susie can tell you what she saw, but that's it. He dropped him off at night. "Right there with the hat on, in the middle. Lexington (Ky.) -- Social life and customs. The walls are covered with certificates and mementos of his service. The collection also contains associated newspaper clippings, job sheets, and hand-written photographers' notes. Paul William Bryant Jr (born December 19, 1944 in Birmingham) is a Tuscaloosa businessman and chairman of the Crimson Tide Foundation. The coach visited this house once. NFL combine Day 2 recap: Which draft prospects are rising? The daughter of Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Mae Martin Bryant Tyson, left, and son Paul Bryant Jr., right, attend a memorial service on the campus at Tuscaloosa, Ala., Jan. 27,. Missing in the houndstooth beach balls and paint jobs is a person. Neither his wealth nor his legacy as the son of the man who retired as college football's all-time winningest coach, however, has inclined him to lead a public life. But I got outvoted. By far the most common name (and most versatile, used by men and women) is Bryant. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If I'd changed jobs, I would have been making $50 more a month. That's a no-no.". The John C. Wyatt photographs (LHL) consist of an estimated 2 million unique photographic negatives spanning the years 1939-2001. [8], He has donated millions of dollars to the Alabama Crimson Tide football program.
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