Bryan Edington Wakefield
On August 30, 2021, after a brave four-year fight with cancer, Bryan Edington Wakefield, age 59, of Atlanta, died peacefully in the company of family while in hospice care. His friends and family will remember him for his wit, authenticity, genuineness, and compassion, as well as for his wicked talent at ultimate frisbee, golf, and guitar.
Bryan, the son of Francis Bryan Wakefield III and Laura Edington Wakefield, was born in Mobile, AL, and moved with his family to Gautier, MS; Ticonderoga, NY; and New Canaan, CT. In 1986, he received his B.A. in French Language and Literature from Sewanee: The University of the South. After several marketing jobs in the DC area, Bryan followed his dream and became a PGA Golf Professional, serving as an assistant pro at several courses in Myrtle Beach, SC, including Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club. He later became the head pro at Man O’ War Golf Club nearby.
Bryan had a lengthy struggle with alcoholism. He moved to the Atlanta area and eventually achieved sobriety with the assistance of MARR, a residential addiction treatment center, where he graduated and became an employee of the program. Many residents found comfort in Bryan’s guidance while on their own journeys with recovery.
Bryan is survived by his father, Francis Bryan Wakefield, and his brothers and their families: Frank and Pam Wakefield; Michael Wakefield and Rebecca Mick; Bryan J. Wakefield and Erica Bittner; Michelle and Michael Rushing; Laura and Derek Parsons; Benjamin Wakefield; and Daniel Wakefield.
A nonsectarian Celebration of Life will be held in Atlanta in the parish hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Friday, September 17, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MARR, 2815 Clearview Place, Doraville, GA 30340.
Given the recent surge in COVID infections, especially in Georgia, we request that only family and close friends attend in person. Attendees must wear masks. A live stream of the gathering will be available, and we encourage others who want to remember and celebrate Bryan’s life to join us remotely. Go to www.StLukesAtlanta.org and look for Streaming Online from the Worship tab.
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My deepest sympathies. Hugs all around.
Dear Frank, it is great sadness we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Bryan and our Daughter Susan were classmates and friends, inTiconderoga.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Mero’s,
Nipper and Sandy and family
Becky and Michael and families, I am so sorry for your loss. ,my thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love Liz Ortega.
I will treasure the friendship we had. Rest easy my friend
I didn’t know him long, but he seemed to be good people, and persevered through life’s adversity with good humor .
I will miss Bryan’s easy-going, bemused takes on life, The Universe, and everything. He helped a lot of people get and stay sober. He weathered his cancer journey like a champ, and made a lot of meetings through it all.
Bryan was a light and a joy in this world without even realizing it. I took just as much from our time together as he did- and perhaps more. He will be so missed on this side of the world. Thinking of you all.
It was only yesterday, when we were sledding down the hill at Pine Springs in Ticonderoga, running into each other and trying to avoid getting run over by our parents trying to climb the hill in their cars. That is how I will remember Bryan.
Bryan was a beautiful man and a delight to be around. I was impacted by our brief time together and will cherish the lessons I have learned.
A good man. True and strong to the end and enjoyed our visits. Condolences to all the family!
A good man. True and strong to the end and enjoyed our visits. Condolences to all the family!