John Raymond Ryan, Sr.

June 22, 1943 - January 23, 2013
John Raymond Ryan, Sr.

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John Raymond Ryan, Sr., age 69, of Wilmington, NC, passed away January 23, 2013, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

John Raymond Ryan was born June 22, 1943, to Wallace and Bernice Ryan in the Greensboro area.

He is survived by his brothers David Ryan (Judy), Alan Ryan (Phyllis), and Rodger Ryan (Dianne); two sons, John Raymond Ryan Junior (Melissa) and Brandon David Ryan (Angelina). Grandchildren include Travis John Ryan (Monica), Elizabeth Joy Hunt (Steven) and Victoria Jane Ryan and great grandchildren Reagan Joy Hunt and Tyler John Ryan.

The family offers a special thanks to Raymond’s extended Wilmington family including Joel and Sara Brown, Megan Johnson, Kathy Brunswick and Debbie Nolan.

Raymond started his career as a lineman and worked at Duke Power, Sumter Builders and Four County Electric Cooperative before becoming a sales associate with the Tarheel Electric Membership Association. Raymond traveled the state assisting each cooperative in maintaining optimal electric power inventory. Throughout his career his electric skills were only surpassed by his friendly demeanor and ability to never meet a stranger.

Following retirement, Raymond relocated to the Wilmington area where he enjoyed the beach, food, friends, and making all who had the pleasure of meeting him laugh. Raymond always loved spending time with his extended family, making the staff at New Hope Pulmonary Rehab laugh, operating as a one man lookout for Birchwood Apartment Complex, and settling in to his new patio home. Despite failing eyesight, Raymond could always spot a pretty lady, a great smile, and a kind heart.

We will carry his smile and his laughter in our hearts always.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 11 AM Saturday at the chapel of Wilmington Funeral and Cremation.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • January 28, 2013
    Barbara Ryan Smith says:
    Raymond was my cousin. I grew up with a field separating our houses. Aunt Bernice kept my after school. We had some times! The boys would pit me against one another, especially Raymond. They all loved to make me scream. He would milk the cow and squirt me in the face and I remember him hunting and skinning rabbits. One of my first teeth that I lost was thanks to him, a door and a string. Haven't seen in forever but have not forgotten him. So sorry for your loss.

  • January 26, 2013
    Kaye Jones says:
    The Ryan Boys were neighbors/classmates and church members with me and my family. I have such great memories of all of them and am sad to hear of Raymonds passing. He was always friendly and funny...RIP old friend. My love to his family. Kaye Jones Rehobeth Church Road

  • January 25, 2013
    tim crisp says:
    sorry to hear he was a good friend to me

  • January 25, 2013
    jim mcconnell says:
    Worked with Raymond many years,through Tema.We developed a great friendship over the years.He will be missed!He talked often about his sons & how proud he was of them! My prayers are with you.

  • January 28, 2013
    Donita Larimore Pickett says:
    I will keep your family in my prayers. Unfortunatly I did not find out about Raymond until Sunday. He will be greatly missed, I have not seen him in years, but I think of him often. My teenage years was spent with Raymond, my mom Debbie and my dad Dale. Everytime I think of Raymond I think of us all danceing to some Alabama (Close enough to perfect) or playing cards. I loved him just like he was part of our family. I will miss you greatly but I am so sure you are in a better place, I will be seeing you again someday.