William Wren Ryan Jr.

Bill Ryan was a legend in Arizona and beyond, and a friend to all who knew him. A true Southern gentleman, he loved river trips, the night sky, and a good political protest. Bill was born in Marks, Mississippi on March 31, 1943 and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement, marching alongside leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and he was on the organizing committee for the famous “I am a Man” strike in Memphis in 1968.

Bill was a Memphis State grad and committed his career to civil rights work at the United States EEOC in Phoenix, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo O’Neill. Bill and Mary united their families, including their children Billy Ryan (Alison), Lena Ryan (Nathan), Erin Duncan-O’Neill (Robert), and Sean O’Neill-Ryan (Christina), and grandchildren Madeleine, Jack, and Eva. He is also loved by family in Arizona and Mississippi, including his sister Carolyn.

Bill was a master of trivia who was never stumped by a crossword clue, and he could not resist a good story. He was exceedingly generous, loyal, and steadfast.

Services are Friday, October 12 at 1:30 pm at Brophy Chapel (4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to abolishprivateprisons.org or stmarysfoodbank.org.