John "Jack" H Ryan

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Service Schedule
Graveside
White County Memorial Gardens
3306 E. Park Ave.
Searcy, AR  72143
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
10:00AM
I served in the Navy.
John "Jack" H RyanI am a Veteran.

of Searcy, AR

April 21, 1931 - March 12, 2018

OBITUARY- John H, (Jack) Ryan Jr.

Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, April 21, 1931, to John H. and Muriel Ryan, Jack was preceded in death by his parents and Norman Lunger, a cousin reared by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Ryan, 2 children, Julie (Charan) Litchfield of Petaluma, California, and Kevin Ryan of Higginson, Arkansas, as well as 2 favorite grandchildren, Tyler Ryan and Parker Ryan. He is also survived by his faithful friend, Charles Pittman of Searcy.

Jack served in the United States Navy 4 years where he served as a Court Reporter.

He graduated Harding University, University of Illinois, and University of Missouri with degrees in Communication. He returned to his Alma Mater, Harding University to begin his teaching career which lasted 44 years. While at Harding, for 34 years, he directed and produced Spring Sing, a musical extravaganza, and for 6 years he was Chair of the Department of Communication, but his real love was teaching to which he returned full time.

Jack was always ready with a 'Joke'. He was a good joke teller. His talents included playing piano from memory as well as being a master communicator. He was often called the 'Voice of Harding' since he began as the reader of scripture as a part of 'Hymns From Harding', a weekly radio program. His voice had quality and resonance that could make scripture come alive and dance on the page as well as call attention to the meaning.

A perfectionist in all to which his name was attached, he often spent hours choosing the perfect reading and practicing for the presentation moment. A deeply sensitive individual, his faith sustained him in all circumstances. His wife could do no wrong, and his children were his gifts from God.

A special recognition is due Beverly and Ginger, at Unity Health CCU, who tenderly and patiently cared for someone who had never experienced hospital care on a personal basis in all his 86 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to Paragould Children's Homes Incorporated, Searcy Childrens Home, Christian Homes of Abilene, or Harding University.

Graveside Service will be 10:00a.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy.

On line guest book: rollerdanielfuneralhomes.com/Searcy

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8 Condolence(s)
DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Monday, April 2, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4
“With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".

Rhydonia Holt Anderson
Forrest City, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 15, 2018

I was at Harding from 1964-69; in Kappa Phi. I was in Dr. Ryan's speech class. I remember one student's face getting a bit red and a catch in her voice as she delivered her speech. When she finished, Dr. Ryan (not Dr. then, I think) asked if that was due to emotion or for effect. Emotion. He approved it then, stating that we should NOT "display something we did not feel".
That was a pivotal moment/statement for me, and I suspect for some classmates.

James Anderson
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 14, 2018

We enjoyed Jack so much in recent years as he participated in the Golden Years program. He always had a cheerful outlook, and a good joke to share. Our group will miss him. Jack used his God given gifts in a beautiful way.

Sharon May
Searcy,
Liked
Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Marge my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of your loss. I always considered Jack as the voice of Spring Sing. A big man with a big heart. If you ever need someone to talk to please do not hesitate to call me at 501/278-6610. Mike Wood and I are friends on Facebook and he posted such loving words about Jack. Our prayers and thoughts surround you during this time. Love always, Sharon

Tami Cofer
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 14, 2018

I am so sorry. I am glad I saw you all Friday night and visited with you. My prayers are with you all.

Irene Gray
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Marge, it saddened me to see Jack's passing in the paper this morning. My condolences go to you, Julie and Kevin, and the rest of your family. I always enjoyed visiting with this talented, funny man. Prayers for all of you.
Irene Gray

Rick Alexander
Orlando, FL
Liked
Tuesday, March 13, 2018

I shall always remember the first time I met him. I was 14 the first year of Spring Sing. He was a true gentle Giant of a teacher and man.

Steven Frye
SEARCY, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 13, 2018

You are in our prayers and hearts. I am grateful for Jack on so many levels. He will be missed by the thousands of lives he influenced.