Celebrating the life of
Frank Coburn Ryan Sr
February 08, 1942 - December 07, 2008
FRANK COBURN RYAN SR.
Frank Coburn Ryan Sr., 66, of Savannah, Georgia died on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Candler Hospital.
Mr. Ryan was born in Savannah on February 8, 1942. At the age of 21, he embarked on a life-long career as a Clerk and Checker for the International Longshoremen's Association ILA. He became a member of ILA Local 1475 in 1965. Mr. Ryan held numerous official positions during his career. During the years of 1969 through 1974, he was elected to the local's Seniority Board, the Executive Board, Contract Committee, By-Laws Committee, and briefly served as the local's vice president. Mr. Ryan served as president of Local 1475 for 18 years between the period of 1976 and 1997. He served as chairman of the clerk and checkers Five Man Negotiating Committee, which covered the five ports of Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL and Tampa, FL from 1987 to 1998. Mr. Ryan also served as a district vice president for the ILA South-Atlantic and Gulf Coast Districts from 1991 until 1998. In 2008, he received the Thomas W. Gleason Award for his outstanding achievement in furthering the interests of Longshoremen. He continued to work as a clerk and checker through November 2008.
Mr. Ryan enjoyed restoring cars, spending time with his family, the outdoors and had a great love for animals.
He was preceded in by his daughter Mary Ellen Elisabeth Ryan, his parents Captain and Mrs. Joseph Verdery Ryan Sr., and a sister Kathleen Ryan.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Josephine Ann Ryan of Savannah; two daughters Frances Tiffany Peters Randy and Laura Ann Brown Dana, both of Savannah; one son, Frank Coburn Ryan Jr. of Savannah; four grandchildren, Sterling Austin Brown, Lauren Elizabeth Peters, Lorelei Ryan Brown and John Peters all of Savannah; two sisters, Ellen Cliett William and Mary Chandler both of Savannah; four brothers, Captain William James Ryan Maria of Dallas, GA, Joseph Verdery Ryan Jr., Eugene Coburn Ryan and James Lynch Ryan all of Savannah; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Andrews, Donnie Bell, Ricky DeLoach, Bob Eason, Billy James and Steve Sims. Honorary Pallbearers will be Denny Chandler, John Mackey and Kenny Thomas.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 9, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel with a Rosary Service at 6 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Father Mark Ross, Celebrant.
Burial will be in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Mr. Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends and pets.
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL
Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com
Bubba and family, There are so many good words to say about Frank. I have alot of respect for Frank, and he will truly be missed. Bubba your dad is one of the best in this world, and if there were more like him it would be a better place.
- Christian Seeba and family., Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family. 'Pops' will always be with us.
- Julie ,Martin,Amy,and Travis Phillips, North Augusta, SC
Laura, Dana, Sterling and Lorelei: We send our sincere condolences from Ireland as we were unable to get back in time to pay our respects in person. May Frank always have calm seas and a strong wind at his back. Harriette and Jim Murray
- Jim and Harriette Murray, Murphy, NC
Joanne and family, We are so sorry to hear of Frank's death. I know this is difficult. We pray that God will cover you all with His graces. Love your friends. Mary Jane and Bill
- Bill and Mary Jane Mataxas, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts are with you. Ron & Helene
- Ron & Helene Balcom Small, Black Creek, GA
Bubba and family, There are so many good words to say about Frank. I have alot of respect for Frank, and he will truly be missed. Bubba your dad is one of the best in this world, and if there were more like him it would be a better place.
- Christian Seeba and family., Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family. 'Pops' will always be with us.
- Julie ,Martin,Amy,and Travis Phillips, North Augusta, SC
Laura, Dana, Sterling and Lorelei: We send our sincere condolences from Ireland as we were unable to get back in time to pay our respects in person. May Frank always have calm seas and a strong wind at his back. Harriette and Jim Murray
- Jim and Harriette Murray, Murphy, NC
Joanne and family, We are so sorry to hear of Frank's death. I know this is difficult. We pray that God will cover you all with His graces. Love your friends. Mary Jane and Bill
- Bill and Mary Jane Mataxas, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts are with you. Ron & Helene
- Ron & Helene Balcom Small, Black Creek, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
