Joseph Frederick Ryan

Marion, NC 28752

Joseph Frederick Ryan, 87, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Mr. Ryan was born in Northampton, MA, on July 25, 1930, to the late Frances Vishaway Ryan and Thomas F. Ryan.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Swannanoa in Swannanoa, NC and First Baptist Church of Orlando, FL. Mr. Ryan loved his church, his faith and was very active in his church. He taught Sunday school for over 40 years, served as a Deacon and sang in the choir. He was committed and consistent in his faith. In his final days, his love for the Lord was evident as he spoke of “walking toward Jesus”.

Mr. Ryan was a Certified Public Accountant and he worked for Ardaman & Associates, Inc., in the Orlando area, before he retired. He also had an office in Black Mtn., NC and built a home office so he could continue to provide financial planning for the community. During his 50 years of accounting, he was affiliated with IMA (International Management Accountants) group and served as secretary in the Hickory, NC group and was also one of 12 handpicked nationally to be the IMA group Vice President, of which he was very honored to serve.

Mr. Ryan was a proud member of the United States Army. He served our country for three years during the Korean Conflict.

For recreation, Mr. Ryan was an avid golfer. He enjoyed every aspect of the game. But, most importantly, Mr. Ryan put God first, then his family, and lastly his work. He loved his wife and children dearly and they will miss him terribly.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, and six brothers.

Surviving Mr. Ryan are his wife of 60 years, Marilyn; sons Geoff (Fay) Ryan of Old Fort and Jay Ryan of Marion; daughters, Brenda (fiancé Matthew Sampson) Drosjack of Columbia, MD, and Heather (Nina Shaffer) Morris of Richmond, VA; a brother, Eugene Ryan, of Easthampton, MA; and grandchildren, Christina Ryan of Asheville, NC and Courtney Drosjack of Columbia, MD.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 6, 2017, from 10 am to 11 am at First Baptist Church of Swannanoa, 503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC 28778. A Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 11 AM at the church, with Pastor Jeff Dowdy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Care Partners Hospice and Palliative Care McDowell, 575 Airport Rd., Marion, NC 28752 and/or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation website: https://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tibute/JosephFRyan and/or the First Baptist Church of Swannanoa Building Fund.

Kirksey Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Ryan family.