On the evening of Saturday, December 24, 2022, Capt. Roy Horace Brian, Sr. (Ret.), age 69, of Zirconia, North Carolina, passed away following a brief illness at his residence. A native of Catawba County, North Carolina, born January 02, 1953, he was the son of the late Horace and Bertha Walker Brian.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby Paul Brian.
Roy worked full time for Hendersonville Fire Department, where he proudly served the citizens of Hendersonville and Henderson County, while at the same time volunteering with Green River Fire Department, working with Hendersonville Housing Authority and Sears Roebuck and Company. Following many years Roy retired as Captain.
Roy loved to teach firefighters, and because of his guidance several firefighters would not be where they are today if it was not for Roy. He taught in Western North Carolina and as far east as Wilkesboro and beyond and in between. He was an instructor for Blue Ridge Community College, Isothermal Community College, Haywood Community College, McDowell Technical Community College, and AB Technical Community College. Roy loved to fish, hunt and working on guns in his spare time. He was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church in Zirconia.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 33 years, Rebecca “Becky” Corn Brian; one son, Roy Horace Brian, Jr.; one daughter, Bethany Ann Morgan; one grandson, Carson; one granddaughter, Kali; and one great grandson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many friends he met along his journey.
A celebration of Mr. Brian’s life will be held on Monday, January 02, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Double Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Maybin, Rev. Robbie Henderson and Rev. Michael Lewis officiating. Interment will follow the service at Pace Cemetery.
I worked with Roy through Isothermal Community College’s Emergency Services Program for over 20 years, and it was a privilege. He was one of our few “old school” instructors who truly cared about his career, and sharing his knowledge. He was also my friend, and will be missed. Myself and our Emergency Services department will be praying for Roy’s family, colleagues at Hendersonville Fire Department, and all who knew him.
I didnt personally know this man but my son Travis Climbingbear did and thats enough for me because he’s a good judge of character! He sees a person heart rather than their appearances! That said i feel from Captain Roy,Srs picture and reading this short bio, he truly was one of Gods good men and he will be terribly missied. Also hard to fill his shoes! I pray for comfort and love for his family and friends.may the good Lord hold you in his every locing embrace just as he will Captisn Roy! Rip sir! Job well done may you be in the presence of your peers and our heavenly father! We honor your service! Amen
Roy will so missed at Denny’s in Hendersonville. Many of nights as manager and gm I’ve sat and socialized with him and Becky. He was a great man and we were truly blessed to have known him.
Winde
Roy was always close to me when I was a young girl and beyond. He treated me just like his kid. My prayers are with all his family. May you find peace and joy again. Roy would not want his family to be sad. He would want you to rejoice that he is with the Lord, and will be waiting at the gate for you one day. Love all of you.
Roy was a great instructor, firefighter, and mentor. As years passed, I saw he was an even better friend and minister of the gospel. In an unlikely environment, he was the hands of Christ to those who didn’t even know they were being ministered to. Wisdom was free to anyone who took time to listen.
Roy taught me to service test trucks. I had some great times out there at the training grounds learning to listen to the trucks. I made him a spreadsheet that auto-calculated as entries were made. He smiled but I knew he didn’t have any use for that thing!
He and my husband became buddies fast, Roy treated him like he’d known him for years.
This is a small example of who Roy was to my husband and me. I hope you, his family, take comfort in knowing what he meant to people outside of home. Thank you for sharing him with us.
We send our prayers and our love to the family. Roy will be well missed down at the restaurant at Dennys. I would always look to see if Roy and Becky were in. Always ask Becky where is Roy when she was by herself she replied he was off in the fireman school. Are prayers also go out to the Hendersonville Firemans family sorry that you’ve lost one of your own. Roy was a very special person with a heart of gold we will dearly miss you. and I can only imagine what heaven looks like I can’t wait to see you again.
So very very sorry to hear of Roy passing. Met Roy in 1980 when we all worked together for the City of Hendersonville. It was a honor to know and work with Roy. We know he will be greatly missed.
Roy was an unusually generous and kind man. He treated everyone with respect. He was a friend to all. His passing is sad. The community will miss him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. He is one of the finest men that I have ever known. His legacy will continue because of the knowledge that he shared throughout the years on scene and in the courses that he taught. Hendersonville and Henderson County are better and safer because of him. He will be missed.
So sad to hear of Roy’s passing, he was one of the greatest fire instructor there was. I learned a lot about firefighting from Roy. He also was a great man and will be missed by all.