Billy Joe Ryan

Billy Joe Ryan passes away at 88 Special to The Enterprise Billy Joe Ryan. Son of F.A. and Gladys Ryan, was born in Indiahoma, Okla., on April 1, 1927 and lived most of his life in Mercedes, Texas. He passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in Pleasanton, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Billie of 66 years; three daughters, Derrelene & Joe La Mantia of McAllen; Patti & Don Hemme of Pleasanton, Texas; and Tammye & Jerry DuBose; and one son, Bruce Ryan. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and youngest brother, Wesley Ryan of Tomball, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, F.A and Gladys Ryan; his five brothers, Leo, Homer, Kenneth, Dick and Jack Ryan; two grand-children, Kimberly and Brandon Hemme; and three sister in laws, Jean, Joyce, Mary and parents. He played football for the Weslaco Panthers and graduated in 1945. He joined the Merchant Marines, and when he re-turned home he came to work at R.E.A., which later became Magic Valley Electric Coop, where his future wife was working at the time. He started working on January 10, 1947, digging holes for the utility poles. By 1986 he had worked himself up to becoming General Manager of M.V.E.C. He worked for 46 years and received many awards while he was there. He was baptized on March 8, 1949 at the church of Christ in Mercedes, Texas. He then started preaching when Derrelene was 6 months old. He preached at Port Isabel one summer, seven years in Combs, 26 years in Mercedes, and always taught classes. After retirement, he loved to work in wood shops, and he and Billie loved to travel. Their last year and half they moved to Pleasanton to Don and Patti's home where he thoroughly enjoyed watching the deer. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, December 28, 2015, for a 10 a.m. service at Church of Christ in Weslaco, Texas. Interment then followed at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Weslaco. Funeral services were un-der the direction and care of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Mercedes, Texas.

Billy Joe Ryan

April 1, 1927 - December 22, 2015

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