Friends and colleagues of Panola County Sheriff David Bryan have established an endowed scholarship in his memory. Sheriff Bryan died in April of this year. Judge Ann Hannaford Lamar contacted the Northwest Foundation Office about the possibility of establishing a scholarship to honor the memory of Sheriff Bryan.

From there, Jim Pitcock, Panola County chancery clerk, spearheaded a fundraising effort that to date has resulted in nearly $6,000 for the David Bryan Edowment.

"We are not through with this yet," said Pitcock. "We are still accepting contributions and trust that many others will participate. David was a friend and a first-rate sheriff, and this is a fitting tribute to him."

Bryan's widow, who is serving a term as acting sheriff, requested that the scholarship be awarded to children and grandchildren of Panola County law enforcement officials, to include the sheriff's office, city police offices and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. "Our law enforcement officers are not paid well for the jobs that they do, and I hope David's scholarship will help their children and grandchildren attend Northwest," said Mrs. Bryan.

The first scholarship will be awarded in 2006-07.

Bryan’s law enforcement career began when he was elected Panola County’s sheriff in 1975. It was his first run at political office. His only prior experience resembling law enforcement came from working summers a a ranger for the Corps of Engineers at area reservoirs.

A former coach, Bryan was a graduate of University High School in Oxford, attended Northwest Junior College and the University of Mississippi before serving a one-year stint at Corinth High School for the 1962-63 school year.

He lettered in most sports that were available to him, and he pushed the athletes who played for him. His standard of discipline both on and off the field was revered, and occasionally feared.

Bryan was a charter and lifetime member of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch. After his 1975 election he was re-elected seven times. He was a member of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association where he served as president in 1985; and a member and past president of the Panola County Law Enforcement Officers Association. He was also a member of the National Sheriff’s Association.

He was named Mississippi Officer of the Year in 1985 and served on the Governor’s Search Committee to select a State Medical Examiner in 1983-84. Other boards and committees included the Governor’s Criminal Justice Board, the Governor’s Board of Minimum Standards and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. In 1996 he helped to establish the Panola County TRIAD.

"Sheriff Bryan attended Northwest, and he achieved a legacy of interity and service," said Northwest President Gary Lee Spears. "This scholarship will continue for generations to come and will be a lasting tribute to a fine man."

Bryan and his wife of 43 years, Ida Margaret Sherman Bryan were the parents of Dana Elizabeth Bryan Phillips, Olivia Leigh Bryan Sumner, and Joel Mathis Bryan. The Bryans had seven grandchildren.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the David Bryan Endowment may do so my making checks payable to the Northwest Foundation and mailing them to 4975 Hwy. 51 N, Senatobia, MS 38668, or by dropping contributions by the Panola County Chancery Clerk's office.

(Article contributed to by The Panolian)