Bryson Robert Williams
On December 13, 1989, Bryson Robert Williams made his dramatic debut into the loving arms of his parents, Bruce and Debbie Williams. Born in Santa Barbara and raised in Goleta, Bryson grew up playing soccer, basketball, baseball, skateboarding, surfing and competing in disc golf competitions. He also loved the arts: drawing, painting, playing guitar, writing songs, creating beats and performing his music.
While in high school, Bryson survived an arteriovenous malformation brain surgery. He graduated with his GED from Santa Barbara City College in 2008. In 2010, Bryson was diagnosed with heart failure which led him to receive a successful heart transplant in 2011. The heart transplant saved his life. Despite his harrowing health journey, Bryson embraced life with joy and bravery.
After recovery from his transplant, Bryson went on to excel in the Culinary Arts program at Santa Barbara City College to pursue his passion for cooking. He worked as a chef for La Cumbre Country Club, Barbareno and Bottlest. In addition to his cooking career, Bryson also loved to cook for his friends and family and was known to host dinner parties, man the grill at family functions, and make elaborate new dishes for his wife. Bryson was curious about cooking and trying new techniques, undaunted by the skill or time some dishes could take. He experimented with things like fermenting hot sauce, making kombucha, dry aging persimmons and all sorts of culinary explorations that would incite his curiosity.
An inquisitive person for life, Bryson found passion and interest in learning new things and exploring many hobbies. In 2018, Bryson went back to Santa Barbara City College to pursue a new interest in graphic design. He graduated from the program in 2020 and his creativity blossomed. Taking inspiration from street art, the ocean, plants and food, he developed his own unique style. Bryson designed logos and visual identities for many small businesses in town, and he also donated his time to nonprofits that focused on ocean conservation.
Bryson married the love of his life, Amanda Jacobs, on April 19, 2020. Bryson enjoyed taking Amanda on weekend getaways to explore new cities, new restaurants and new music, but most of all he loved spending his time at home with her. He would dance and sing with her in the kitchen while making her his Instagram-famous dinners. Last year, Bryson and Amanda adopted their first dog together, a small black pug puppy named Louie. Bryson and Louie were inseparable and could always be found cuddling on the couch watching a Lakers game.
Bryson was a character through and through. He was known for making people laugh – from his self-created slang words to dancing and singing after one too many beers – he always had everyone smiling. He had a love of colorful and bold fashion that mimicked his playful personality, which included dad hats with funny sayings and his signature Birkenstocks with patterned socks.
Bryson was a loyal friend and lived by a strong conviction to always make everyone smile. He was a kind and caring person who showed genuine interest in everyone he met. He lit up the room and was the life of the party. He was known for his bright smile, outgoing personality and his joyous manner.
Bryson Robert Williams passed away surrounded by his family and wife, Amanda on Monday, February 14, at the age of 32. The boy with the biggest heart, living with a donated heart, passed on the holiday of hearts. He was a wonderful and loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Bryson leaves behind a village of people he loved deeply and who, in turn, love him too.
Bryson is survived by his wife and parents, along with his sister Chrissi Williams, and his many lifelong friends and family members.