Bryan Kent Pollard

A funeral service honoring and remembering the life of Colonel Bryan Kent Pollard will be held at 3 PM Friday, July 31, 2020, at the South Tulsa Baptist Church Worship Center. A live steam of the service can be seen by visiting southtulsa.live. Visitation with the family will be 6-8 PM Thursday, July 30, at South Tulsa Baptist Church. Bryan passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa at the age of 73.

Born May 2, 1947, Bryan was the son of James Clifton and Nerine Faye (Harris) Pollard. The youngest of four brothers, all born and raised in Tulsa, Bryan’s childhood was spent with a great group of friends, summer trips to his grandparent's farm and making memories with his brothers. Harvard Avenue Baptist Church was a big part of his youth and young adulthood. It was here that he met the love of his life, Sherry Welch.

Following high school, Bryan attended Oklahoma State University, where he joined the Sigma Nu fraternity, following in two of his brothers’ footsteps. His fraternal involvement remained important to him for the rest of his life. Bryan was interested in science from a young age, studying Biology and Physiology at OSU and ultimately graduating from the Baylor University College of Dentistry. He continuously rooted for OSU even when their athletic performances broke his heart!

Between graduating from OSU and starting at Baylor, Bryan married the love of his life, Sherry Welch, in Tulsa University’s Sharpe Chapel on January 19, 1969. During dental school, the couple welcomed their first child, Matthew. Bryan went on to move his family back to Tulsa, establish a private dental practice, and welcomed two more children, Jennifer and Joe.

After six years of a successful practice, Bryan accepted a commission of Captain in the United States Army as a general dentist. During his first assignment to Fort Sill in Lawton, OK Bryan and Sherry welcomed their fourth child Mary. During his 21 years military career, Bryan and his family moved on to live in San Antonio, El Paso, and Killeen, TX; Augusta, GA; Manhattan, KS; and his favorite tour in Mannheim, Germany. He pursued specialized training in the military to become an endodontist, and ultimately became board certified. Bryan retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Colonel in Ft. Hood, TX. Following his military career, he practiced as an endodontist in Tulsa for ten years, as well as the Cherokee Nation healthcare system in Tahlequah and Muskogee for four years.

In retirement, Bryan’s spirituality became more and more focused on others as he continued to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered to young men regularly at the Tulsa County jail and volunteered his time to adult literacy programs as well as the local Court Watch. A politically aware conservative, he was also very outspoken, and you never had to wonder where Bryan stood on any given issue. The White House will surely miss Bryan’s regular communication by email.

Above anything else, Bryan was completely dedicated to his family as a leader, a provider, and a protector. He was encouraging and always supportive of them, never missing recitals, soccer games, or any activity in which they participated, even coaching several of his kids’ teams. He was very methodical, investigative, and always thirsted for more knowledge. Bryan taught his children how to communicate well and respond thoughtfully to any situation. Known to be the most wonderful “Papa” to his grandchildren, Bryan had an individualized relationship with each one of them. He loved them with all his heart! Bryan enjoyed reading, math & jigsaw puzzles, singing with his church choir, and loved humming along while his wife played the piano. He found great joy in all sorts of together time with his family, who describe him as the perfect example of what a father and husband should be. Bryan will be dearly missed by a devoted family and numerous lifelong friends who will continue to cherish his memory.

Surviving family members include his wife, Sherry Pollard; his children, Matthew Pollard, Jennifer Pollard-Harvey, Joe Pollard and wife, Kimberly, and Mary Walker and husband, Nate; his grandchildren: Travis, Meaghan, and Sean Pollard; Grace, Lilly, and Rose Harvey; Ryan, Molly, and Joshua Pollard; and Welch Walker; his brothers, Dan Pollard and wife, Barbara, and Mike Pollard and wife, Glynda; and his sister-in-law, Judy Pollard-Doyle.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dwayne Pollard.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Guatemala Campos de Suenos fund at South Tulsa Baptist Church.

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