Rich was born on November 22, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard Carrol Ryan and Donna Pauline Farley. He married Sherry on October 11, 1980, in Lone Oak, Texas.
He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, logging thousands of flight hours as a Russian Voice Intercept Processing Specialist and Airborne Mission Supervisor. Rich carried the discipline, skill, and dedication he developed in the Air Force into his second career as a Systems Engineer with L-3 Communications (formerly E-Systems) in Greenville.
Rich took great pride in caring for his home and twenty acres, loved tractor mowing, and repairing just about anything. He was an avid runner who also enjoyed water skiing, backpacking, and traveling the world. Whether he was cleaning a coffee pot or delivering airplanes, he worked with determination, integrity, and what many lovingly described as his ''full-throttle'' work ethic.
Rich faithfully served Quinlan ISD as both a board member and Board President. He was also a founding member and President of the Quinlan Education Foundation. After his retirement, Rich was active in the Golden K Kiwanis, where he served as President and as a member of the ramp-building crew, helping construct numerous wheelchair ramps for individuals with disabilities throughout Hunt County. In addition, he served his church as a deacon, treasurer, and dedicated volunteer for many years. He attended Cross Point Fellowship Church prior to entering full-time care.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Ryan; daughters, Casey Stribling Chaney and husband Trey, Leslie Ryan Walsh and husband Colin; son-in-law, Brian Fuhs; daughter-in-law, Theresa Juhl Ryan; granddaughters, Macy Sims Ayres (Troy), McKenna Sims, Thea Fuhs (Caley), Rose Ryan, and Sweden Walsh; and grandsons, Kaulen (Sarah), Charles, Joseph, and Aidan Fuhs, Garrett Chaney, Boon Ryan, and Indio Walsh; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Ryan Fuhs; his son, David Ryan; his parents, Carrol and Pauline Ryan; and his brothers, Bruce and Keith Ryan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quinlan ISD Education Foundation or the Raffa Clinic.
In his final months, photographs of great-grandson, Harvey Ty Ayres, brought a huge smile to Rich's face.
Condolences(3)
Gary Tolly
Rockport, TX Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Sorry for your loss, prayers with Sherri and family. I worked with Rich in the USAF and our follow-on civilian world. I loved working /flying with Rich he was alway a great mentor for me.-Gary and Kellyn Tolly
Lonnie HENDERSON
CYRIL, OK Wednesday, February 18, 2026I SAW AN EAGLE FLY
I saw an eagle fly...
...lookin' south
toward Lake Tawakoni
'bout six in the morning
mild February day
Clear, no clouds
I saw an eagle fly...
...effortlessly
riding the currents
Soaring above all
Majestic
Supreme
I saw an eagle fly...
...and that eagle
looked a lot like
R I C H A R D C A R R O L R Y A N JR
FLY LONG, FLY HIGH, SILENT WARRIOR
FOREVER ON WATCH,
FOREVER ON ORBIT
The Prop Wash Gang
February 14 ,2026
Composed by
Lonnie Henderson
Darrel Nott
OLIVE BRANCH, MS Monday, February 16, 2026 I’m sorry with this news. May Richard rest in peace.We graduated high school together.
He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.