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Remembering Bryan
by James Gordon
On September 24, 2025, we lost someone who wasn’t just a legend in the Atlanta tennis community—he was a light in so many of our lives.
Bryan Shepherd, a brilliant mind and a naturally gifted athlete—on the basketball court as well as the tennis court—was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 19, 1958. From an early age, he stood out. He excelled academically in high school and earned a full ride to Duke University, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics. But Bryan was never one-dimensional. He threw himself into theater and dance at Duke, showing the same energy and curiosity that would later define the way he lived his life. After college, he began working at IBM while still pursuing his love of tennis.
Eventually, Bryan made his way to Atlanta, where he married and, together with his wife, Ann, raised two beautiful daughters, Brianna and Rana—his pride and joy.
Although he stayed involved in computer work, his heart kept pulling him back to tennis. That passion led him to start Bryan’s Racquet, where he poured himself into teaching the game he loved. Bryan wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor, a motivator, and a constant source of encouragement. He worked with players of all ages—juniors, high school athletes, and collegiate competitors—and he earned the respect of countless local and national tennis organizations, receiving awards from many of them. Bryan loved tennis, he loved Atlanta, and he loved the people who picked up a racquet and trusted him to guide them.
For me, every single encounter with Bryan began the same way: with that huge, unmistakable smile and warm, uplifting words that made you feel seen and appreciated. That was Bryan—always giving, always supporting, always bringing light with him.
Rest in peace, “B.” You are deeply missed, and your spirit lives on in every life you touched.
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