Alton Ray Ryan, 71, of Brookhaven, passed away on June 18, 2010,in the Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, Ala., after a shortillness. He was born and raised in Yazoo County. Alton was aself-employed entrepreneur. He was a member of First UnitedMethodist Church in Brookhaven, having served for many years in thechurch choir. He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Menand the Lost and Found Sunday School Class.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of Shriners International,Gideons International, York Rite and a member of the Sons of theConfederate Veterans. He was a world traveler and an avid hunter,with his greatest hunting accomplishment being completing the”Grand Slam” of North American Wild Sheep. He was passionate aboutmission work and serving the Lord.

He was active with SIFAT (Service in Faith and Technology). Hismany works included improving the lives of the less fortunate inBolivia, Ecuador and the Ukraine. Some of the projects he worked onwere providing clean water systems, building day cares, healthcenters, schools and sharing the word of Christ.

He loved traveling with his wife, family and friends. He was aloving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived byhis wife, Nell Alford Ryan, and his children, Greg Ryan and wife,Diane, and Angie Ryan Turner and husband, Charlie. He is alsosurvived by his grandchildren, Katie Ryan, Emily Ryan, John LukeTyner, Ryan Tyner and Logan Tyner; his brothers, Willard Ryan andJackie Ryan; and his sisters, Wilma Bratcher and Sue Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Ryan Sr. and EstherMae Keene Ryan; and his brothers, Charles Ryan, Garvis Ryan andJ.C. Ryan Jr.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, David Ryan, Eddie Bratcher, WesleyBratcher, Jimmy Hall, Michael Hall, Joel Hall, William Garvis Ryan,Morgan Ryan, Robin Ryan and William John Ryan.

Honorary pallbearers are Billy Benson, Charlie Campbell, Bob Cox,Keith Gatlin, Raiford Hancock, Greg Howell, Danny Knight, DavePace, Chuck Smith, Roy Strickland and Troy Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SIFAT,2944 County Rd. 113, Lineville, AL 36266 or First United MethodistChurch Building Fund in Brookhaven.

Visitation will be on Sunday, June 20 from 5 until 9 p.m. atRiverwood Family Funeral Service. The funeral will be held atRiverwood on Monday, June 21 at 11 a.m. with burial at RiverwoodMemorial Park.

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www.riverwoodfamily.com and click on his name to leave acomment.