Dr. Orlan H. Briant

Orlan was born on December 9, 1937, to Birdie Mae and Ohlan Briant in Tampa. After graduating from Jefferson High School he continued on towards a bachelor's degree at Florida Southern College, a masters degree from University of South Florida, and a doctorate degree from the University of Florida. Orlan also retired from the U.S. Army active duty in 1963 and from the reserves after more than two decades.

In high school, he met Jeraldine Bledsoe and they wed in 1960, going on to have five daughters, Deborah, Laura, Pamela, Melinda and Christina.

He was principal of Brandon High School when it became Florida’s first Blue Ribbon High School of Excellence. After retiring as a Hillsborough County Area Director in 1997, Orlan spent his time working on crossword puzzles, supporting Brandon High School wrestling, attending his granddaughters' dance activities, visiting his daughters and grandchildren in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Alaska, and making his famous spaghetti sauce.

He is survived by daughters Deborah (Stephen) Vance, Laura Briant, Pamela Peaden and Melinda Gardner. He was also the proud Grandpa/PaPa/Grandaddy of 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Michelle (Joshua, Avery, Blake, Carter) Ebner, Ashley (Collier, Aveline, Collier, Begley) Faubion, Heather (Zach, John, Zoe) Bohach, Melinda (Margaret) Matthews, Michael Peaden, Macy Peaden, Ramona (Banner) Riley, and Megan Gardner.

Orlan was predeceased by his wife, Jerry Briant, his youngest daughter, Christy Briant, his mother, Birdie Mae Briant, his father, Ohlan Briant, and his sister, Gloria Lusk.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.