Clayton Neal Ryan

Clayton Neal Ryan died on April 19, 2025, after prolonged medical complications. He was blessed with a long, productive, and interesting private and professional life. He was born in Beaumont, Texas on March 4, 1938, while his father, Captain Charles Bartho Ryan was stationed there in his capacity as Master Pilot for ocean-going tow vessels of the Sea Warrior & Gulf Navigation Company. Upon the family’s relocation back to Alabama, Clayton grew up mostly in Irvington in lower Mobile County.

Upon his graduation in Mobile’s Murphy High School class of 1956, Clayton attended Florida State University in Tallahassee from 1956 until 1958, with emphasis in Art and History. Also, at FSU, he joined his beloved Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. He switched to the University of Southern Mississippi from 1958 until 1960 with the same academic interest and was a cheer leader, gymnast, and Art Editor for the 1960 Annual.

Clayton was then called to serve his Country in the regular U.S. Air Force during 1962 and 1963. Following his military service, Clayton moved to New York, NY, where he attended and graduated from the prestigious Parson’s School of Design. He also worked in various positions during his years in New York, including as an Administrative Assistant in the George Rilling Art Studio.

Clayton returned to Mobile in 1970 as Production Manager and graphic artist at Barney & Patrick Advertising, Inc. From there he joined Chroma Graphics, Inc. as Marketing Director in 1975 and then PMT Publishing, Inc. as Art Director until 1993. He then moved to the Mobile Press Register in Commercial Arts and Advertising until his retirement after 30 years of service. During those years he received many awards for his advertising designs, painting, and other artistic work.

Clayton was generous with his time and resources to the Mobile arts and service causes. He was a longtime member of the Mobile Opera Guild Chorus. Among other performances, they provided choral support for Mobile Theater Guild productions, including one of his favorite “gigs” in their adaptation of HMS Pinafore.

Clayton was broadly active in community service. He supported All Saints Episcopal church in the choir, Alter Guild, and other capacities. He served on the Board of Directors of Murray House and Beckwith Camp and Conference Center and the Board of Visitors of Kanuga Camp and Conference Center. Clayton was also a member of the Order of Saint John, one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations (dating to the Crusades). Finally, Clayton was a staunch, registered Democrat.

Clayton had varied recreational interests. He enjoyed traditional Mobile society including Mardi Gras and Camellia balls. He was also an enthusiastic and quite knowledgeable opera fan. He was an active Florida State alumnus and, along with his brother Lanue, an avid “Nole” football fan.

Clayton was predeceased by his parents Annie Lou “Boots” Ryan and Captain Charles Bartho Ryan and brother Lanue Bartho Ryan, but is survived, by several cousins, nieces and nephews. Although he did not marry or have children of his own, Clayton was always caring and attentive to young people, and they reciprocated with respect and affection that often endured into their adult lives.

Clayton’s relatives and friends are grateful for the professional care provided to him over the past eight months at Murray House, Seabrook Pointe, Eastern Shore Rehabilitation and Health Center, and Community Hospice of Foley.

Clayton is to be buried with his parents in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, and a graveside interment service, with friends and relatives welcome, is scheduled at Memorial Gardens for 11 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that remembrances be directed to Murray House or Christ Church Cathedral Mobile.