MADISON, Tenn. (WKRN) — A family is dealing with the aftermath of yet another tragedy after sustaining significant damage to their home for the second time in thirteen months.
Gary and Angela Bryant’s Madison home was nearly destroyed in the Dec. 2023 tornado outbreak. After finally rebuilding, though, it’s been damaged in a fire.
“We just thank God that it wasn’t different and we’re not telling a different story,” Angela told News 2.
The chimney took the brunt of the damage during the tornado, which the couple remembers vividly.
“It happened so fast — like a freight train came in and just passed by,” Angela added.
On Tuesday, it was cold outside. Angela said she was still at work when Gary decided to start a fire.
“He was sitting on the couch and a neighbor rang the doorbell and said, ‘Your chimney is on fire,'” Angela said.
Erin Teller said Gary is the lead baker at the Hendersonville location of Nothing Bundt Cakes.
“Their house has only been rebuilt and final and finished for about six, eight weeks now,” Teller said. “They moved back in, got settled, began rebuilding in every sense of the phrase.”
As of publication, the Bryants are staying in a hotel with their dog.
“They love well. They work hard,” Teller said. “They are the kindest people on the face of Earth. We are so blessed to know them and be in business with them.”
“I’m just glad I’m still here and blessed that I have people who love me and love to stand beside me and are telling me things are going to be okay,” Gary said.
“In spite of everything, we’re grateful that he made it out — our dog, Wiz, made it out and that God restores,” Angela added. “This is not the end.”
Follow this link to donate to a GoFundMe supporting the Bryants as they once again rebuild.
