John Ryan, 87, left this earthly life on November 24, 2017 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Born and raised in Rockaway, N.J., John joined the Air Force after graduating high school. Although he was given a promissory letter to go to computer school, the Air Force put him in airplane mechanics school as it ramped up for the Korean War. This ended up serving him well in his 40-year career at Vought Aircraft (later LTV Aerospace) in Dallas, Texas, where he retired as president of the Commercial Division.
Throughout his aerospace career, his love of music was never put aside. During his time at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, he played in both a Big Band and their small combo dance band around north Texas. After moving to Michigan to build the Lance, he was a member of and frequently performed at Village Players in Birmingham in such roles as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and Judd in Oklahoma.
John was also an avid golfer and was a member of Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan and Las Colinas Country Club in Texas. He loved to travel the country playing many famous golf clubs like Hilton Head and Pebble Beach. He also knew who designed most of the courses. Now that’s avid.
He leaves behind his wife of 11 years, Elizabeth Worley Ryan; his sons, Richard Ryan and John Ryan Jr; his daughter, Annette (Ryan) and her husband Alex Iwach; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann; his brother, James Ryan; his step-son, Charlie (Spring) Chaltos; his brothers and sisters in law, Rebecca (Tom) Raymond, Bob (Jean) Worley, and Amanda (Dale) Evans; and many close friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte Ann (Pfeifer) Ryan, and his parents, James and Anna Ryan.
Services for Mr. Ryan will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2017 in the Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. The family will receive friends at 2 p.m.
His family would like to suggest donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors