James Ryan went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2026. He was born on Dec. 15, 1939, to the late James Welton Ryan and Ollie Bell Martin. He was 86 years old.
He is preceded in death by his son, James Dereck Ryan, and brothers Randy Wilson and John Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rose Ryan, of 65 years; his daughter, Dyan R. Fluty (Steve); grandsons Tanner Ryan (Jennifer) and Dexter R. Fluty; one special granddaughter, Sara Grace A. Fluty; two sisters, Peggy Alexander and Blanche Johnston; one brother, Aubrey Wilson; a host of nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Fred and Lisa Langston.
For those that knew him, he was always carrying on foolishness with somebody, joking, telling funny stories, and as his wife always said, “Your dad is like a magnet — people are drawn to him.”
He was a caring man with lots of words, told it just like it was, did not hold back, and spoke before he thought most of the time.
To all who knew him, he was “Red” Ryan — the Catfish Cooker, the Barbecue Chicken Griller, and the Fried Apple Turnover Maker. These were a few of his favorites. If you never had a chance to taste any of these, you missed out.
To his daughter, Dyan, he was “my sweet, hot mess, go-to with any and everything, my stronghold, my Daddy.” They loved hard and very much.
To his three grandchildren, he was their “Pop.” He was so proud of their accomplishments and always wanted them to not have to struggle growing up as he did.
The family had a Celebration of Life Service on May 9, 2026, at Heiberger Methodist Church with Pastors Tim Craddick and Donald Harris.
