Willie A. Ryman, Jr.

1930 ∼ 2018

Willie Arnold Ryman, Jr., of Port Arthur, TX, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at the age 88. He was in good company and surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Willie was born March 6, 1930, in Port Arthur, TX, to Willie Arnold Ryman, Sr., and Hulda Highberg Ryman. He was a lifelong resident of the Pear Ridge Community and a charter member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949 and remained an avid fan of the Yellow Jackets where he was instrumental in forming the first TJ High School Booster Club. Willie proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he flew in 96 combat missions. He also served 38 years at Texaco as a clerk. He then worked and eventually retired from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department where he served as a corrections officers. During his time as a corrections officer, he initiated an inmate GED program. Willie was well read and especially focused on all aspects of military history. He had strong interests in the outdoors and traveled throughout the US while raising a family. During these travels, he enjoyed camping, fishing, crabbing and oystering. Most of all, he loved fixing things and was a self-taught mechanic working on motorcycles and other machines in his garage. He was quite handy as a carpenter and often could be found adding extensions to his house. Willie and his family loved music and often played the guitar singing old depression era songs, cowboy songs or old hymns and whatever his son Barry was playing. Willie loved his family and enjoyed everyone coming to visit. Whether it was a sing-along on the back porch or enjoying a table full of steamed crabs, everyone was always welcome. Willie will be remembered for his honesty, giving spirit, talkative nature, joyful disposition, and simple lifestyle with the belief and focus of doing the best you could do. Willie was a devout Christian with strong faith in God and often stated that he believed in the Bible and every word in it. He will be missed. His life and legacy lives on through his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Ryman; son, Willie Ryman, III, grandson, Willie Ryman, IV, and stepfather James McCarry. He is survived by his wife Marie Ryman, as well his children Kim Chiasson, Barry Ryman and his wife Dawn, Karla Ryman Needels, son-in-law, Russ Needles; grandchildren Erin Rocap, Sasha Sparks, Claire DeLeon, Ciara Dixon, Katherine King, Colby Dungan, Terra Ryman, Walker and Victoria Needels; great-grandchildren Tony, Cheyenne, Colt, Billy, Sage, Jolea, Darien, Lily, Layne, Remy, Music, Alice, Theodore, Logan, Landon and Bear; and great-great grandchildren Carson and Asher. He was truly one of a kind. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 1 pm, Friday, April 20, at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, TX, followed by funeral services at 2 pm. Military Funeral Honors will be performed graveside at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery following the services. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: Port Arthur Firefighters Local 397 Willie A. Ryman Scholarship Fund; c/o Port Arthur Community Federal Credit Union, 3100 Central Mall Drive, Port Arthur, Texas 77642, (409)729-7938, Account #9007.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Willie Arnold Ryman, Jr. August 4, 2020
Willie A. Ryman, Jr.
Anonymous April 23, 2018
Barry, Karla, Kim et al, I so much treasure having known your mother and father. They were beautiful, generous and joyful. The stories at your father's service were the same ones I would have told. I remember your father sitting outside on that stool with that little short knife, shucking through mountains of oyster shells, telling stories about winds and waves. If you stayed long enough, he would eventually get to a conversation about ingenuity. I fondly remember his zeal for the ingenious. I know you miss him. Know too that he is with God for all of eternity and has been reunited with his kin that went before him. May God bless you all. You are in our prayers, Warmest regards, Pat and Valerie Draughon
Anonymous April 20, 2018
It was a Great Pleasure having the oppertunity to care for Mr. Ryman at Lucas Place assisted living. He was a pleasant man and will be missed.
Anonymous April 20, 2018
It was a Great Pleasure having the opportunity to care for Mr. Ryman at Lucas Place assisted living. He was a pleasant man and will be missed.
Anonymous April 19, 2018
Bill was a special man who loved his family. The words written here capture the special man he was. Our prayers are with all of you.
Anonymous April 19, 2018
My sympathy to Kim and the family
Anonymous April 19, 2018
Peepaw Bill will be greatly missed, but he will live on in the lives and memories of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, as well as everyone who was touched by him, and those fortunate enough to have known him!
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Barry and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Anonymous April 18, 2018
May every sunrise hold more promise, every moonrise hold more peace
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Barry I am sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this time.
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Kim, Karla and Barry: so sorry for your loss. Know that your family will be in our prayers!
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Barry, So very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family .
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Prayers for you and your family Barry during this difficult time.
Anonymous April 18, 2018
Prayers for the family Mr. Willie truly was a very sweet SOUL. Loved both him and his wife at aldersgate United Methodist church. Heaven truly has another angel