Charles "Ronnie" Ronald Bryan Jr.

Charles Ronald “Ronnie” Bryan, Jr. (76) of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home at 12:30pm. Rev. Jeff Sauls will officiate. Burial will follow at Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.

Ronnie was born on December 16, 1949 in Gadsden, Alabama, to Charles and Mina Bryan, Ronnie was raised and spent many of his most cherished years in the Coates Bend community, surrounded by loving family and dear friends. He attended Gaston School and was a devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church, later joining Union 3 Baptist Church.

He loved his family deeply, often reminiscing about his father, mother, sister, and brother-in-law. Ronnie’s father, an Auburn alumni, taught him the ways of an Auburn man. Ronnie took his duties as a tried and true supporter of the Auburn Tigers seriously. His mother taught him the love of gospel music, which brought him joy and comfort all the days of his life. During his last years, he expressed excitement about being reunited with his parents. The family finds peace in knowing he is now with his Savior, his mother and father, and family and friends who have gone before him.

Ronnie was the kind of uncle every family needs, steadfast and always present. He never missed a game, recital, or milestone, no matter how big or small, and showed up with genuine pride and enthusiasm. As a result of their close relationships, Ronnie taught his niece and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, the true meaning of family, commitment, compassion, inclusion, sacrifice, and advocacy and life-lessons that will shape generations to come.

Ronnie showed everyone around him the true meaning of connection and community. Whether he was biking around the bend, attending church, gathering at the community center, or supporting school events, Ronnie always greeted others with a warm smile, took a genuine interest in their lives, and offered unwavering encouragement and support. He taught those around him the meaning of unconditional love and pure, child-like joy. His connectedness with others showed how impactful a supportive community is for belonging and quality of life.

Although Ronnie’s experiences in life were not easy, he was resilient and demonstrated how the little things in life are really the big things. In his own unique and powerful way, Ronnie’s life became a lesson in love, perseverance, and connection, one that will stay with his family and friends always. It is unmistakable that his journey exemplified the power of a praying mother and God’s faithfulness.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bryan; mother, Mina Horton Bryan; sister, Lana Bryan Kilpatrick; and, brother-in-law, Kenneth Kilpatrick.

He is survived by his niece, Kimberly (Scott) Fells; nephews Kevin (Kriszti) Kilpatrick, Kasey Kilpatrick, and Brian (Erica) Kilpatrick; great nieces Sawyer Kilpatrick, Gracie (Jakob) Morris, Lani Fells, and Macy Fells; great nephews Noah Kilpatrick, Ben (Sierra) Kilpatrick, Lincoln Kilpatrick, and Jake Ede; great-great nephews Everett and Ryder Kilpatrick. Pallbearers will be Kevin Kilpatrick, Kasey Kilpatrick, Brian Kilpatrick, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Brad Barnes, and Scott Fells.

The family sincerely expresses their gratitude to the ICU and Comfort Care teams at Atrium Floyd in Rome, Georgia, as well as the staff at Cherokee County Health and Rehab Center in Centre, Alabama, for their compassionate care and support.