Obituary of Bryan Allison

Robert Bryan Allison, 49, beloved father of two and stepfather to three children, passed away peacefully at his home in Berkeley Springs, WV, with family on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Bryan was born on January 1, 1974 in Corpus Christi, TX.  Enduring a difficult early life, Bryan experienced physical and sexual trauma as well as homelessness as a young teenager.  A testament to his perseverance, Bryan joined the Army in 1993 and served multiple enlistments until 2005.  His distinguished service includes serving with the 3rd Infantry “TOG” at Arlington National Cemetery on firing parties and casket bearer details.  He was drawn early and always in life to help and care for others and during these years on active duty military Bryan also worked for funeral homes.  He sought and earned an AAS in Mortuary Science, was incredibly talented and respected within his profession, and managed multiple firms which specialized in the preparation of deceased military members and coordination of their funerals.  Bryan called his greatest honor serving at AFMAO Dover Port Mortuary preparing the remains of those killed in action and being able to assist their families.

Bryan struggled with and fought depression, marital failures, self-medication, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.  In May 2021, Bryan fell extremely ill.  Alone and with severe dehydration he would spend five days without food or water. Having barely survived, the overcorrected hospital treatment resulted in brain damage, ataxia, dysarthria, loss of balance, and permanent confinement to a wheelchair.

Upon discharge and return to his home in WV, Bryan realized through these experiences God had brought him to his knees but spared his life and he used his remaining time to begin his journey back to Christ.  While attempting to learn to walk again, and through the members of his church, Bryan immediately began to serve God in the most humble and available ways possible.

In November 2022, Bryan was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer and given a few months to live.  Enduring extreme pain and discomfort but undeterred, Bryan continued to minister to others with the positive message each day is truly a gift.  

While many aspects of Bryan’s life were turbulent, he ultimately found incredible peace, a quieting of spirit, and redemption through the grace, goodness, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and those most familiar with Bryan’s journey to Him know it was wondrous to behold.  Through the incredible power of God and while enduring incredible pain and suffering, Bryan courageously continued to inspire others to be better people, help those in need, and walk more closely with Him.  While we mourn his departure we rejoice he is with his creator in life eternal.

Bryan is survived by his former wife Lisa Peruski and their child Julia Forsyth, his former wife Jennifer Allison, their child James Allison, and his step-children Ashlyn, Nina, and Jacob Lightkep, father Daniel Allison, brothers Scott O’Neal and John Allison, uncle Robert Allison, grandchildren Marshall and Colton Forsyth, and many close relatives and friends.

Bryan is predeceased by his mother Carolyn Morris, brother James Allison, aunts Joan Marie Brennan and Paralee Shipman, uncle Clyde Allison, and grandparents William and Billie Morris and Frank and Charlotte Allison.

Please join us in celebrating and honoring Bryan’s life at 2:30 PM on Sunday, 5 November at Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA.  

In Bryan’s honor and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to start Fixin’ Fences, an organization of Bryan’s creation which will strive to connect disabled veterans struggling with both the visible and invisible wounds of war with the healing power of horses and Christ.

https://givesendgo.com/FixinFences?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=FixinFences