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Submitted: 7/16/20 • Approved: 7/17/20 • Last Updated: 7/20/20 • R1329509-G0-S3
PERSONNELMAN (INTERVIEWER) THIRD CLASS
US Navy
Korea
April 21, 1931 - March 12, 2018
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
Contributed on 7/16/20 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1329509