The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bryan Abbie Herman Autrey, 89, of Orange, Texas, passed away on January 26, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Bridge City United Pentecostal Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Murry Ray. A private family burial will be held.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Bridge City United Pentecostal Church in Bridge City.

Born in Bleakwood, Texas, on September 30, 1934, he was the son of Cecil Milton Autrey and Ophelia Catherine (Pierce) Autrey. Bryan was a long-time, devoted member of Bridge City United Pentecostal Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He found profound strength and solace in his faith, and love of God and Family was of utmost prominence in his heart. He was not only dedicated to his faith and family, but he also took great pride in his service to the United States of America as a member of the United States Marine Corp.

Bryan spent most of his career at Fina, but the last ten years he worked at Sandoz/BASF as an Instrument Technician. He spoke often and fondly of the relationships he made during his work tenures. Prior to his retirement, in his last year at Sandoz he was blessed with a little luck winning a brand new Dodge truck in a safety award drawing.

Outside of his service and spirituality, Bryan had a deep love for the outdoors. While attending First UPC Port Arthur in the 60’s, he served as Scout Master and hosted many outdoor outings with his troop. He could often be found on his tractor working, gardening and growing all manner of plants and trees. He was one with nature and had a green thumb. Bryan was also a “Jack of all trades”. He never walked away from a challenge. He was a very patient man who believed in grace and forgiveness. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ophelia Autrey; his siblings, Herk Autrey, Cecil Merle Autrey, Jean Autrey, Tommy Aldrich, and Ann McPherson; and his parents-in-law, Henry and Eula Mae Shaddock.

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Kathryn Autrey; his children, Lori Ann Rice and husband, Kirk of Lumberton, Jana Kay Bedair and husband, Paul of Cypress, and Mark Herman Autrey and wife, Tisha of Little Cypress; his grandchildren, Courtney Tomplait, Blake and Ashlyn Rice, Ashton Pirtle, Trent Pirtle, Victoria Wilt, Madison Autrey, and Zayne Bryan Autrey; his great-grandchild, Waylon Rice; his sister-in-law, Judy Blacksher; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kirk Rice, Paul Bedair, Blake Rice, Louis Miller, Darrell Monceaux, and Jonathan Fenner.