William Hancock Ryan

William Hancock Ryan joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 25, 2008. He was born in Caldwell, Texas on July 2, 1916, the son of Nena Waller Thomas and William Hancock Ryan A memorial funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., March 27, 2008 at Providence Baptist Church and Interment thereafter at the Providence Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that a contribution be sent to Providence Baptist Church earmarked for the Building Fund.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Lois Wilkinson Ryan and two sisters, Rosalee Ryan Hensley and Ruth Ryan Bell.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Ryan Clemons and her husband, Robert H. Clemons of Waco; his son, James Walker Ryan and his wife, Judy Jones Ryan of Houston; five grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great grandchildren.

Bill and Lois lived in Lake Jackson where he worked for the Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas for over 35 years (interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy). He took an early retirement to manage on a full time basis for the rest of his life, the Ryan Family Ranch in Burleson County, which was founded in 1830 by Bill's great grandfather, William Ryan who was one of the organizers of Providence Baptist Church in 1836 and who deceased August 22, 1872. The Ranch passed through several generations of Ryans, including Walker Ryan, William Hancock Ryan Sr., Jimmy J. Ryan and Grady Ryan. He loved his family, his ranch, and was a fine Christian gentleman.

Pallbearers are Jim Ryan, Walker Ryan, Steve Clemons, Chris Clemons and Bob Clemons.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dulie Bell, John Sharkey, Sam Perry, Trey Miller, Travis Williams, and Pat Thomas.

Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home of Caldwell is in charge of the arrangements.