Obituary for Bryant McGowan
Bryant Keith McGowan, a devoted son, made Tonja Peoples' eyes sparkle for the very first
time on June 11, 1991. As Daron Johnson's only son, Bryant was deeply cherished. Bryant
often shared meals, laughs, and celebrations of Alabama and Cowboys' football wins with
his grandmother Annette Jones, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. It was a house divided at
grandma's when Alabama and Auburn squared off annually during the Iron Bowl!
As a child, Bryant relished playing outside with his younger brother, Jourdan, and cousins.
As he grew, he awakened his talent and passion for sports; this molded his already athletic
mind and body to create a star studded track and football experience in high school. The
University of West Alabama followed and rewarded his skill and hard work as a four-year
starter winning a division championship. Bryant closed out his college career in 2013 securing a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, a field of study that came naturally to him.
An Alabama native, after college feeling an itch for change, Bryant relocated to Atlanta,
Georgia and became a certified personal trainer. Atlanta was a time of growth, a first home
purchase [at 25 years old!], and a chance encounter with the love of his life and bride Jeanette. Not surprisingly, they met at the gym, and they married August 17, 2018. Their faith in
God was an integral part of their connection. They regularly attended church together,
served in the children’s ministry, and were never ashamed to share their faith with anyone.
If you knew Bryant or spent any time with him, then you knew he was sure to pray before
every meal.
As Bryant matured, his yearning and determination to provide for his family intensified. He
established himself as a leader and motivator for both his family and friends. He was plotting a pivot and intended to execute! As key entrepreneurial ventures came together, Bryant
moved himself and Jeanette to Huntsville, Alabama to begin Firefighter academy to fulfill a
personal desire and meet a professional goal.
Fast forward to just three and a half months after starting fire academy, and here we are today. Tonja will never get to witness Bryant’s essence in his children’s eyes. Jeanette and Bryant will never get the chance to purchase their dream home together. He cannot call or embrace his grandmother or godchildren nor discuss his future endeavors with his brother and close friends.
Although Bryant didn’t get the opportunity to bring his deepest hopes and dreams to fruition, he was admired and deeply loved by his friends and family alike. He was called husband, son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, teammate, friend, and Uncle B. A man of God, a humble man, a powerful black man, a peaceful man, and a wise man...his life and legacy will always live on in our hearts
time on June 11, 1991. As Daron Johnson's only son, Bryant was deeply cherished. Bryant
often shared meals, laughs, and celebrations of Alabama and Cowboys' football wins with
his grandmother Annette Jones, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. It was a house divided at
grandma's when Alabama and Auburn squared off annually during the Iron Bowl!
As a child, Bryant relished playing outside with his younger brother, Jourdan, and cousins.
As he grew, he awakened his talent and passion for sports; this molded his already athletic
mind and body to create a star studded track and football experience in high school. The
University of West Alabama followed and rewarded his skill and hard work as a four-year
starter winning a division championship. Bryant closed out his college career in 2013 securing a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, a field of study that came naturally to him.
An Alabama native, after college feeling an itch for change, Bryant relocated to Atlanta,
Georgia and became a certified personal trainer. Atlanta was a time of growth, a first home
purchase [at 25 years old!], and a chance encounter with the love of his life and bride Jeanette. Not surprisingly, they met at the gym, and they married August 17, 2018. Their faith in
God was an integral part of their connection. They regularly attended church together,
served in the children’s ministry, and were never ashamed to share their faith with anyone.
If you knew Bryant or spent any time with him, then you knew he was sure to pray before
every meal.
As Bryant matured, his yearning and determination to provide for his family intensified. He
established himself as a leader and motivator for both his family and friends. He was plotting a pivot and intended to execute! As key entrepreneurial ventures came together, Bryant
moved himself and Jeanette to Huntsville, Alabama to begin Firefighter academy to fulfill a
personal desire and meet a professional goal.
Fast forward to just three and a half months after starting fire academy, and here we are today. Tonja will never get to witness Bryant’s essence in his children’s eyes. Jeanette and Bryant will never get the chance to purchase their dream home together. He cannot call or embrace his grandmother or godchildren nor discuss his future endeavors with his brother and close friends.
Although Bryant didn’t get the opportunity to bring his deepest hopes and dreams to fruition, he was admired and deeply loved by his friends and family alike. He was called husband, son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, teammate, friend, and Uncle B. A man of God, a humble man, a powerful black man, a peaceful man, and a wise man...his life and legacy will always live on in our hearts