William Paine Ryman of Matagorda, Texas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on January 28, 2011. He was 87 years old. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Horn Ryman, his parents G.C. and Louise Ryman, his brother Carroll Walker Ryman, and his sister Geraldyne Ryman Havard. He is survived by his son Grover Carroll Ry Ryman and wife Janet Ryman, his son William Paine Ryman II and wife Sheila Ryman, and his daughter Laura Ryman Shay and husband Matthew Shay. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
William was born on August 17, 1923 in Matagorda, Texas. He was a man who loved his family and his country as he accomplished many great things in his career and his life. William attended high school in Bay City, Texas and then attended Texas A&M University. His college years were interrupted by volunteering for active duty in WWII, but he returned to marry his childhood sweetheart and to Texas A&M to graduate in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He was Valedictorian.
His career as a geologist began with Humble Oil in Houston, Texas. He retired as a World Geologist for the Exxon Oil Company. During this time he was also recalled to active duty for The Korean War. As a double veteran, he flew over 75 missions in the United States Air force as a navigator, bombardier, and radar officer. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant and decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal , the EAME Campaign Medal , the WWII Victory Medal, The Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.
William's job took him to Houston, Durango, Denver, New York, and even Saudi Arabia, but when he retired he returned to his hometown roots and became actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Matagorda United Methodist Church, a member of the VFW Post #4458 and served as the Matagorda Republican Party Chairman until his wife became ill and needed his full time attention. He was always proud of his Matagorda roots and truly enjoyed spending his final years here fishing, gardening, and "piddlin" with his inventions. He also enjoyed working on his computer, even up to the last week of his life. Fortunately, he shared many memories with us because he will be dearly missed. Fortunately, he shared his love with us and we know he is home with our mother, at last.
A loving thanks to Diane Barnes, Renee Wilson, and AK Dowling who were extra special friends that helped take care of him to the end. Our hearts go out to Houston Hospice, too. They are amazing people.
A Memorial Service for William Paine Ryman will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Matagorda United Methodist Church in Matagorda, Texas. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Ry-Jonathan Ryman, William Travis Ryman, Hunter Paine Ryman, Joseph Loius Bokorney II, and Milam Tell Bokorney. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Matagorda United Methodist Church or the Houston Hospice El Campo would be appreciated.