Bryan Frank Bergeron, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and accomplished entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on November 22, 1932, Bryan was the cherished son of Phyllis Banta Bergeron and Bryan Frank Bergeron, Sr. (affectionately known as “Bee”). He spent his formative years in Clewiston, Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for sports, particularly golf, baseball, and football.
After graduating from high school, Bryan’s life journey was soon enriched by love and family. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Owen, beginning a partnership built on devotion, resilience, and shared ambition. Bryan’s early professional years included managing a golf club in Orlando before he proudly enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he served his country for five years.
Following his military service, Bryan earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, where he was a standout athlete on the university’s golf team. His passion for golf would remain a central joy throughout his life.
Bryan’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightest when he and Shirley opened their first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise in Huntsville, Alabama. Through hard work and vision, they built not just a successful business, but a lasting legacy of determination and innovation. He sold his KFC franchises in 1983 but remained active in other business ventures.
In his later years, Bryan found peace and happiness on the golf course, where he spent many cherished hours. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Owen, daughters, Susan Bergeron Sturdivant and Lainee Bergeron Cason, and granddaughter, Lauren Sturdivant.
He is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Kristina Kraselsky Merritt (Austin) and Owen Charles Allen; great-grandchildren, Carson Scott Austin Merritt and Ansley Faith Merritt; brother Jerry Dale Bergeron; as well as extended family members including Jean Bergeron, her family, and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home.
To honor Bryan’s memory, donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/).
