George Robert (Bob) Bryan

Businessman/Utility Executive

George Robert Bryan, a native of Abilene, could not have envisioned the life that God had in store for him when he was a young boy in the Key City. He would become a respected business leader, distinguishing himself as a utility executive, in non-profit volunteer service, and as a devoted Christian layman.

Bob was born on September 22, 1944, in Abilene, Texas where he spent his years through college. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1963, lettering in basketball. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. While at HSU, he worked at Lone Star Gas to help defray his college expenses.

After college, he began working full-time for Lone Star Gas and married Mary Frances Woodward, who would be his partner in life for 32 years. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy for three years attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Upon completion of his Navy commitment, he returned to Lone Star Gas (later Enserch Exploration) and after short stints in Athens, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City, he was assigned to company headquarters in Dallas. He held various positions with increased responsibility in the company and retired as the Chairman of Enserch Energy. While there, he also completed the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

Bob served on the Board of Directors for Texas Commerce Bank-Brookhollow and Dallas Petroleum Club, as a Deacon for Richardson Heights and Wilshire Baptist churches, and as a Board member for the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Auction. He and Mary also owned and operated a ranch near Grand Saline where they raised Beefmaster Cattle and spent many of their weekends.

Even amid his busy schedule, Bob proudly served his alma mater, Hardin-Simmons University, as a member of the Board of Trustees for nine years, including several years as Chairman of the Finance Committee and three years as Chairman of the Board. As a trustee, he was known not only for his business acumen, attention to financial detail, and swift decision-making ability but also for his keen sense of humor.

While serving on the HSU Board, Bob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed a year later on October 8, 1998, at the age of 54, and was survived by his wife Mary, daughter Stephanie, son-in-law Douglas Allison, mother Frances Bryan, and siblings Joe, Kay, and Ann. Bob Bryan packed a great deal of service, love for his family, and Christian devotion into his life.

For his business accomplishments and his service to his nation and his alma mater, Hardin-Simmons proudly inducts George Robert Bryan into the HSU Hall of Leaders.