"And they journeyed toward the sun-rising." This scripture which was read by Rev. C. M. Spalding at the funeral of Dr. A. A. Brian was typical of the late missionary's philosophy of life. He was a man who was optimistic to the approach of the many problems which confronted him daily. Once he was convinced of the way he should go there was never any shadow of wavering. He was counselor and friend of every pastor and church in the places where he worked. He only served eighteen months as City Missionary in San Antonio and the Baptists experienced a great growth in this length of time.

"He fought a good fight, he kept the faith, henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness." These words from the Holy Bible characterize the life led by Alfred Aaron Brian II and the work he accomplished while here on earth. He was open and aboveboard in all his dealings with his fellowman and had the same humility of spirit as would be found in the Apostle Paul.

Alfred Aaron Brian II, b. January 14, 1900, in Brownwood, Texas, the fifth child of Kleber Dessex and Elizabeth Melton Brian. He M. Ora Lee Dopson on March 15, 1925, in Ropesville, Texas. To this marriage the following children

1. Alfred Aaron Brian III, b. December 18, 1931, m. Barbara Branson, Salinas, California, August 6, 1952. Ceremony performed by Dr. Alfred Aaron Brian. Al, as we called him, was called to his heavenly home March 8, 1959, Ft. Worth, Texas.

2. Bobbie Helen Brian, b. January 24, 1933, Levelland, Texas. m. William Rand Dyer, December 16, 1956. They have one son, William Rand Dyer, Jr.- Both teach in San Antonio school system.

3. Elton Lee Brian, b. December 17, 1934, Levelland, Texas, m. Patricia Kay Calloway, June, 1957, Floydada, Texas. They have three children: Kristi Kay Brian', September 27, 1958; Kellie Lee Brian, b. May, 1960, and Kendall Brian, b. July 25, 1965. Elton Lee Brian is in the Air Force and stationed at San Antonio, Texas. See the chapter on "Men of Valor".

Alfred Aaron Brian II died November 22, 1955.

He attended Wayland Baptist College, Howard Payne College and Hardin-Simmons University. He served as pastor of First Baptist churches in Merkel, Levelland and Brownfield, Texas; he also was District Nine Missionary. He was Vice-President of Howard Payne College from March 1, 1950, to July 31, 1953. He went to San Antonio as Superintendent of Missions. April 1, 1954. He believed strongly in Christian Education.

Elton Lee Brian, Bobbie Helen Brian Dyer, Ora Lee Dopson Brian and Alfred Aaron Brian II.  This picture was made August, 1940, Redwine Baptist Church, Tahoka, Texas. A. A. was helping William Preston Brian in a revival.

Dr. A. A. Brian, above, superintendent of missions for San Antonio died during the evening of November 22. Reports are that he arrived home feeling well and died suddenly.

 City Missionary, San Antonio, Texas, 1954 until his death in 1955. This picture was made just a while before his death.