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A resolution honoring the life of public servant and civic leader Eddie Bryan.
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WHEREAS, longtime Tennessee labor leader Edward Lyle “Eddie” Bryan passed away on November 14, 2021 at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Eddie Bryan was a Nashville native and 1954 graduate of Hume-Fogg High School, where he was a standout player and three-year co-captain of the football team; and
WHEREAS, Bryan began his career as an installer and repairman for South Central Bell, subsequently joining the Communication Workers of America Local 3808 union before working his way into labor leadership; and
WHEREAS, Bryan served as Deputy Commissioner of Labor for the Tennessee Department of Labor in the administrations of Governor Blanton and Governor Alexander from 1975-1979; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, he was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council, a position which he held for more than 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Bryan went on to create the Eddie Bryan Scholarship for high school students ages 17-21 entering their first year of study in a state accredited college or university with the goal of obtaining a minimum two-year degree; and
WHEREAS, Bryan was so passionate about the scholarship that he had money deducted from his own paycheck for the scholarship fund for 20 years. Upon his retirement in 2011, he awarded the first scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Bryan also served on many boards for the Nashville and Davidson County government and civic organizations including the Metro Parks and Recreation Board, Metro Transit Authority, the Davidson County Election Commission, American Red Cross-Nashville, and the United Way of Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Bryan was a proud veteran, having served two years as a Machinist’s Mate Third Class in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, Eddie Bryan was known for his larger-than-life personality, compassion, and his dedicated advocacy for workers’ rights in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honors the life of Eddie Bryan and recognizes his many years of public service to Nashville and the state of Tennessee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of public servant and civic leader Eddie Bryan.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.