John D. "Jack" Ryan

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lanier Village Chapel for John D. "Jack" Ryan, 91, of Gainesville, GA. Father Frank Richardson will officiate.

Born on May 17, 1921, in East St. Louis, IL, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Mayme Sparn Ryan. He attended St. Elizabeth's Grade School, Central Catholic High School and St. Louis University where he graduated in 1943 with a B.S. in Commerce and Finance. He lettered in all sports in high school and college. After graduation he was in the Navy as a Naval Aviator-instructor in multi engine aircraft at Pensacola, FL in World War II.

Mr. Ryan worked for National Cash Register sales for 20 years leaving in 1973. Then in 1973 he went to work for Wetterau Foods, Inc. , where he worked for 20 years. Wetterau is a Fortune 500 company that was the 2nd largest food wholesaler in the U.S., as a Vice President in charge of 8 subsidiaries. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Wetterau Foods, Inc. over food distribution and industry companies. The last position he was promoted to was Executive Vice President of Wetterau Foods, Inc.

In retirement for 20 years, 6 months of each year was spent in Naples, FL, at Bears Paw Country Club where he was President for one year and on the board for four years. The other six months were spent at home in Fairview Heights, IL, where he was a member (for 60 years) and officer and St. Clair Country Club. In addition to his positions at Wetterau, he held positions on Board of Directors at Goodwill and Illini Federal Savings and Loan.

Mr. Ryan is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Kickham Ryan (Kate) of Gainesville; daughter, Kathy Ryan Proterra, wife of Joe Proterra, resident of Gainesville, GA, and parents of Tim (Michelle) and Nick Proterra. Kathy and Joe are graduates of University of Dayton.; son, Michael Ryan, resident of Fairview Heights, IL, and father of Daniel Ryan; Michael is a graduate of St. Louis University; and great grandchildren, Brooke and Jack Proterra, Olathe KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:Georgia Chapter Alzheimer's Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.