Joseph "Captain Joe" Andrew Bryan, 81 of Ridge, Maryland departed this life on Thursday May 21, 2009 in St Augustine, Florida. Born January 25, 1928 in Ridge, Maryland he was the son of the late William Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Barnes Bryan.

"Captain Joe" as he, was known to all, received his education from Cardinal Gibbons Institute in Ridge Maryland. He has been a long and faithful member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in St. Inigoes, Maryland. Joe enlisted into the U. S. Army in 1946 receiving an Honorable discharge in 1947, after serving an18 month tour in Korea. He received the World War 11 Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal Japan Citation.

On June 11, 1948 he was united in Holy Matrimony to his loving wife, Minnie Lou Callier and from that blessed union were three sons. Joe had more than 42 years experience in heavy duty, transportation at the Public Works Department before his retirement in January 1985 from the U. S. Air Station, Patuxent River Maryland. After retirement, "Captain Joe" got a chance to do what he enjoyed most in life and that was fishing. He bought himself a chartered boat and named it; THE MINNIE L. He received his license from the United States Coast Guard to operate his vessel and from then on it was straight sailing for the many different fishing parties that engaged his services. His favorite saving was: IF THEY ARE OUT THERE I WILL FIND THEM. He always aimed to please all of his fishing parties regardless of how long he had to stay out in the waters, and they all loved him for that dedication he showed regardless of how he felt even in his later years when his health started to fail him he still wanted to be in the waters. Joe was a member of the Usher Board at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, and a member of the American Legion Brown and Gant Post 197.

In 1963 a Group of black Professional Men started a Social Club called the Jolly Gents. On or about 1973 Joe became a very active member of that elite group and served as the treasurer. They had many functions in the community, bought their own social club gave scholarships and helped and supported other organizations in and out of the community.

Joe never gave in or gave up his fight for life, his oxygen, dialysis, heart and many other ailments did not stand in the way of his thoughts for what he wanted for his wife. So he and his wife, Minne along with their children decided to purchase a condo in St.Augustine, Florida. About 2 weeks before his death he spoke with his son Kenny and told him that he just wanted to see that his wife was safely there and would be seen to by his family. His wish was granted.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 61 years, Minnie L. Bryan of Ridge MD; his children, Kenny Bryan, (Lauren) of St. Augustine, FL; Donald R. Bryan (Cathy) of Columbia, MD; Benjamin G. Bryan, (Lilian) of Dameron, MD; his grandchildren, Courtney L, Joseph Avram, Matthew and Margaret Bryan; three step-grandchildren, Ashley, Elizabeth and Graham, and one great-grandchild, Angelyia Bryan; one sister, Mary Corbin of Ridge, MD; one sister-in-law, Novella Andrews of Moreno Valley, CA; two brother-in-laws, Charles G. Callier (Marjorie) of Papillion, NE; and Charles Callier (Delores) of Fuquay Varina, NC; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and extended family to numerous to mention.

Family will receive friends on Friday, May 29, 2009 from 5pm to 8pm in St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, where prayers will be recited at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10am with Father Scott Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.