Bryan A. Still

With hearts full of love and profound sorrow, we remember and celebrate the life of Bryan Andre’ Still, a beloved son, father, fiancé, brother, grandson, and friend. Bryan was born on Sunday, January 16, 1983, to Gregory Anthony and Rev. Dr. Leatha Camille Still at Kettering Hospital in Kettering, Ohio.

From the beginning, Bryan was known for his strong will and infectious charm. Even as a toddler in Mannheim, Germany, his bright smile and sparkling eyes would win the hearts of strangers. The older German ladies would reach into their purses with laughter and joy, offering him five Deutsche Marks with the words, “Kinda Ice, Kinda Ice,”—their sweet way of saying, “get the child some ice cream.”

Bryan gave his life to Christ at the age of seven and was baptized at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Sylvester Walker. He actively participated as a Junior Usher, sang in the Sunshine Band Youth Choir, and taught Adult Sunday School on Youth Sundays. After services, he would enthusiastically reenact sermons, collect “offerings,” and preach to anyone who would listen, especially at his Aunt Nell’s house. He later joined Omega Baptist Church with his mother and brother Shawn, under the leadership of Rev. Drs. Daryl and Vanessa Ward.

Bryan attended Wayne High School in Huber Heights, where he played both football and basketball for Huber Height Youth Association. From childhood, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit—cutting grass in the summer, shoveling snow in the winter, and always finding creative ways to work hard and earn a living. Bryan went on to become a licensed plumber, worked for years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in maintenance, and later started his own business, Still Lawn Care and Property Management, proudly mentoring his daughters, Gracie and Jaylynn, teaching them skills in plumbing, drywall, and landscaping.

To know Bryan was to love him. He had a generous heart, a quick wit, and a contagious laugh. He could make anyone feel welcome and was the first to greet you at the door at any family function. He especially cherished time with his daughters, his fiancée Charity, and his beloved grandpa Still he called “Dad.” He enjoyed vacations in Florida and Gatlinburg, boating, fishing, and spending time with his uncles, Slugger, Greg, Junior, and Michael and his favorite cousin, Ronnie Farmer. Though Bryan had a tough exterior, those who knew him best knew he was a gentle giant—a true teddy bear who loved hard, laughed loud, and lived with joy.

Always dressed in his signature Jordan outfits—hat, shirt, and shoes in perfect harmony—Bryan had style, confidence, and an unforgettable presence. His sense of humor and old soul allowed him to connect deeply with people of all ages, especially elders.

Bryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bert D. Lyles Jr. and Rebecca Rosemary Early; paternal grandmother, Mary Alice Still; sister, Sierra M. Still; Uncle Melvin Johnson; and Aunt Mary Ann Holmes. Great-grandparents: Pete Early, Rachel Early Powell, Joe and Camille Johnson, and Bert D. Lyles, Sr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving fiancée, Charity Walters; beloved daughters, Gracie and Jaylynn Still; devoted mother, Rev. Dr. Leatha Camille Still; father, Gregory Anthony Still; paternal grandfather, Robert Still; four brothers, Shawn (Natieya), Gregory, and Antonie Still; three sisters, Lyntia, Kayla, and Natasha Still; and bonus children: Dylan (Shelbie), Diamond, Dawson, and Dakota Vanderpool; along with bonus grandchildren, Bryson and Levona Sanders.

Bryan’s legacy also lives on through his many aunts, including devoted and favorite aunts Sonya and Angela McKnight, aunties: Monica (Pastor Ricky) Nance, Deni Heard, Donnetta White, Debben Murphy, and Sheri Cox; loving uncles Bert “Slugger” (Sharon) Lyles, Gregory (Marci) Hines, Charles Murphy, Michael Lyles, Stanley McKnight, Robert, Dwight, and Tracey Still; favorite cousins Ronnie Farmer, Byron Blair, and Stefhan Harris; close Auntie-Cousins Rachel Scearce and Freeda Wilks, and a host of extended family and dear friends who loved him deeply and will miss him beyond words.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the memories, and the legacy Bryan leaves behind. His life was a beautiful mixture of laughter, love, strength, and service. He will forever remain in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10am-11am at Omega Baptist Church, 1821 Emerson Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45406. A funeral service will begin at 11am with burial to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. 

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

To share a memory of Bryan or to leave a special message for his family, please sign the online guestbook provided.