Bryan Ray Wilganoski

Bryan Ray Wilganoski, of Groesbeck, passed away at Texas Health Harris Fort Worth hospital on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at age 32.

Visitation will be held at Groesbeck Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Woodie Anglin officiating. 

Bryan was born August 29, 1989, to Gerald Ray and Michelle Renee (Montgomery) Wilganoski in Fort Worth.   Bryan grew up in Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) and graduated from LD Bell High School in Hurst in 2007.   He went on to become a “fighting Texas Aggie,” receiving his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, Class of 2011 (actually graduating early in 2010).   He then earned his master’s degree in Economics from UT in Dallas.

Bryan was a true “brainy” person (in the good sense) all his life.  As part of his college work, he studied abroad, in Amman, Jordan, where he learned and practiced the Arabic language.  

After college, he worked as a District Sales Manager for Bridgestone Tires, and was a “road warrior” traveling in his work for around five years.

Bryan moved to Lake Limestone where his family had moved, to be near them.   Bryan worked with his parents in their BBQ business from opening day in January 2020.   He was the one who gave the name, Baby Clay’s BBQ to the business, named after his first nephew.    Bryan and his dad were the pit masters (leaving the buttermilk pies, banana pudding and the sides to his mother to make.)

Bryan enjoyed spending his free time reading.   He enjoyed going to South Padre and Port Aransas with the family and loved deep sea fishing.  He was always able to catch fish to bring back home.   He was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and loyal to his team whether they were winning or not.   Bryan was very close with his sister and had a great uncle’s love for his nephews.

Bryan gave his final greatest gift, in the donation of his organs.   At the hospital on Friday, the hospital staff held a “raising of the flag” ceremony and an honor walk to celebrate his gift to others.

Bryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ike and Neita Wilganoski; his aunt, Gayla McManaway and uncle, Kirk Wilganoski.

He is survived by his parents, Gerald and Michelle Wilganoski of Groesbeck; sister and brother-in-law, Brittany and Shane Allison of Ft. Worth; nephews, Baby Clay Allison and Chandler Allison of Ft. Worth; maternal grandparents, Glenda and Melvin Dominque of Lafayette, LA; aunts, uncles, cousins; best friend, Chase Sly of Fort Worth; and numerous close friends.