Bryan Wade Booth

Bryan Wade Booth, 64, passed away on February 20, 2025, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. 

Bryan was born on March 8, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Louis and Dean Booth. Weighing only 2 lbs., 2oz, he was a miracle from his very first breath. 

Bryan graduated from Horn Lake High School in 1978. After completing high school, Bryan’s passion for evangelism led him to speaking at Campus Life events, a Christian organization that spread the gospel in local schools. Bryan was also a natural salesman, whom had been said to have the ability to “sell ice to an Eskimo.” After several years in sales, he eventually found his niche as the owner and operator of a taxi service in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Starting the business with only an antique Art Cab, he grew the company to several cars and drivers in a just a year. He loved meeting new patrons each day and sharing about his relationship with Jesus and stories about his daughters.  

Bryan shared his life with his partner of twenty years, Gwenda. The two of them went on countless adventures across the states where he always managed to make new friends. He never met a stranger. He and Gwenda loved taking road trips and camping together. They were content with little during their travels as long as they were together. 

He shared this love of outdoor activities with his three daughters and six grandkids, whom affectionately referred to him as FunPaw. Bryan would tell you he was most proud of this title. He always made sure each of them knew they were a “Child of the Most High King”. He would tell his daughters that they made him look good through the lives they lived. He never boasted of himself when it came to their accomplishments, though he certainly contributed to their attributes and character. He loved his girls and their children abundantly. 

He loved to dance, whether it be on a dance floor or the middle of a restaurant. He could fill a room with his personality. He made everyone laugh, even if they had heard the story or joke several times. He was inventive, a problem solver, and always made the best of any circumstances.  

Bryan is survived by his partner, Gwenda Esgro; daughters, Nicole (Joey) Hitt, Brigitte (Brandon) Archer, and Brienne (Robby) Bishop; Gwenda’s son, Johnathon Esgro; Gwenda’s mother, Sue McQueen; siblings, Beverly Watson, Bonnie (Tommy) Tidwell, Barry (Jeanne) Booth and Brenda (Jackie) Bostick; and grandchildren, Johnathon Hitt, Grayson Hitt, Rylee Hitt, Reagan Hitt, Wren Archer, and Poppy Archer.

Bryan is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Dean Booth; and brother-in-law, Dave Watson. 

His immediate family will celebrate his life on his upcoming birthday, March 8, 2025, with a private ceremony at the beach.