Billy Ray Ryan

Norton, Virginia Billy Ray Ryan, 81, entered into eternal rest with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at home. He joined the US Army from April 6, 1959, through May 25, 1964. He served in South Korea, Germany, and Paris, France. He often spoke of his time and adventures during his service. He was employed with Clinchfield Coal Co., Wise County Sheriff’s Department, and Dotson’s Chevrolet in Big Stone Gap. He could do about anything he attempted. We were always saying he was a “Jack of All Trades”. He was commander of the VFW Post 4301 in Norton, VA in 2007 and 2008. His sport was bowling. His highest game was 299 with 300 being a perfect score. He often traveled to Cincinnati for the Hoinke Classic with many friends. His music was that ole time rock and roll and loved classic cars of the 50’s and 60’s. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was so loved by all of his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Hazel Ryan of Norton; brothers, George Robert Ryan (Irene) of Big Stone Gap, Charles Ryan of Jefferson City, TN; sisters, Irene Maxwell (Lloyd) of Salem, VA, Joyce Mabe (Bob) of Jefferson City, TN, Jean Ladd (Joe) of West Carrollton, OH, Peggy Ryan of Norton, VA, Juanita Sergeant of Pound, VA and granddaughter Tiffany Taylor of Norton, VA. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Deborah Diets Ryan; daughter, Karen Ryan; and grandson, Jonathan Taylor all of Norton, VA; brother, Jerry Ryan (Cathy) of Big Stone Gap, VA; sisters, Mary Ellen Mullins (Richard) of Pound, VA, Lorene Gollaway (Howard) of Norton, VA; a special nephew who considers Bill as a father, Heath Ryan Funk of Fort Campbell, KY and now serving in Germany, US Army; many nieces, nephews, and other family. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home with services following in the funeral home chapel officiated by Pastor Grayson Cothron. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Patrick Hunnell, Ryan Gollaway, Jim Mullins, Connor Mullins, Ethan Sturgill and David Wayne Ryan. Honorary pallbearers will be Robby Ryan, Ricky Mabe, Chucky Graybeal, J.J. Ryan, Larry Diets and Kevin Ryan. Memorials may be made in Billy's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.