He was born on November 21st 1942 In Louisville, Kentucky son of the late William McGill and Mary Lillian Ryan.
He served the community of Lynnview as a Police Officer for 9 years and was a retired welder with Louisville Ladder after 27 years. William was a member of Resurrection Church and enjoyed helping each year during their summer picnic.
Over the years his hobbies included playing checkers, bowling, going to dances with his wife, listening to country music especially Eddie Rabbitt and Conway Twitty. He enjoyed going to Country Music shows and dabbling with playing the drums and guitar, taking road trips to visit family In Mississippi and vacations to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg.
William was a devoted father and looked forward to spending Saturdays with Tony running simple errands, grabbing a bite to eat together and of course visits to Costco. William maintained a supportive relationship with Sherman even with distance and time separating them for many years. He appreciated his help getting to and from doctor visits, enjoyed hearing Sherman explain the family tree and sampling homegrown food from his garden.
William was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Joann; his parents William McGill & Mary Lillian Ryan; brothers Kenny Ryan, William Clarence Ryan and his sister, Mary Alvey.
William was a grandpa to 3 grandchildren Sarah, Caitlin and Patrick and a Great Grandpa to Isaiah, Cora & Ella. He had a very special and close relationship with his youngest Grandchild, Patrick. He stepped in and gave essential support as he cared for him daily and loved him beyond measure.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Sherman Ryan & Tony (Rebecca) Ryan; 2 - brothers, Pat (Jane) Ryan & Bob (Emma) Ryan; 3 grandchildren- Sarah, Caitlin, Patrick; 3 - great - grandchildren; Isaiah, Cora & Ella; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family whom he loved very dearly.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Garden of Eternal Love of the Evergreen Cemetery & Garden Mausoleums. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and then again on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. also at the Evergreen Funeral Home.
