Obituary of William Bryan Meharg

Col. William “Bryan” Meharg, USAF (Ret.),98, died peacefully Thursday, April 27, 2023, at his home in Satellite Beach, FL.

Bryan was born on January 17, 1925, to William Bryan and Ellen H. Meharg in Lakeland, FL.  He was an only child and his father died when Bryan was 8.  He became an original “latchkey” child, developing an independent, inquisitive, and “slightly” rebellious nature, as well as an enduring bond with his mother.

He entered the US Army Air Forces during WWII and flew 27 combat missions over Europe, serving as a Ball Turret/Nose Gunner on a B-24 assigned to the 8^th Army Air Forces.  Upon his discharge, he entered college and graduated from Florida Southern in Lakeland.

After graduation, Bryan began a career in the citrus business and joined the US Air Force Reserves.  While attending a church dinner with his mother, he met Lolita Peel.  They were married in Lakeland on November 20, 1948.  He was recalled to active duty at the outbreak of the Korean War and then decided on an Air Force career.  He stayed on duty for an additional 30 years and retired in 1981 as head of logistics for AFTAC at Patrick AFB.  He served his country in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam with great integrity and distinction and received over 30 awards and decorations during his service.

Bryan had a lifelong love of tennis and played the amateur circuit wherever he was stationed.  He was the Air Force Seniors Champion in 1979.  During his retirement he continued to play tennis and traveled the amateur circuit in Florida with Lolita, collecting an impressive number of trophies.  Bryan and Lolita were active members of their dance club and enjoyed traveling by land and sea.  He lived a life filled with honor and integrity with love of family.

Bryan is survived by his daughters, Toogie (Don) McIntosh, Pam Meharg, and Lisa (Tony) Thompson; his grandchildren, Michael-John Sever and Brittany Sever; and great-grandchild Halo Eve Rodriguez.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Lolita.

Visitation will be held at Beach Funeral Home, Friday, May 12, 2023, 3:00 PM.  Memorial Service with Honors to follow at 4:00 PM.

Inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Burial Park, Lakeland, FL at a later date.