Master Sergeant (Ret) William “Bill” Ryan, 80, died peacefully in his Clarksville, TN home on July 24, 2023, after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Bill lived a full life with many chapters and adventures. He was born and grew up and had fond memories of Charlestown, MA. At the tender age of 17, with his mother’s permission, “Peter” joined the Armed Forces. He spent 4 years in the Air Force and 19 & ½ years in the US Army. He did two tours of Vietnam and went on to serve in many units. He retired in 1984 with 23 & ½ years of service.
While serving in the Air Force he began a lifelong hobby in the sport of Judo. He went on to reach the rank of 7th (Shichidan) degree black belt. He taught countless students through the Clarksville Judo Club, as well as several Army Units and Police Departments. The highlight of his career in Judo was serving as a Field of Play Marshall for the ’96 Atlanta Olympics.
In his later years, Bill did security work, and held many posts. He continued to serve the veteran community through the American Legion, Post 289. He was a proud member of their Honor Guard.
He is survived by his bride of 51 years Deborah (Collins) Ryan; his daughter, Beth Ryan of Clarksville; granddaughters, Kayce Plymill (Austin) of Newark, DE; Emily and Shannon Miller both of Clarksville, TN; and great-granddaughter, Ari Plymill of Newark, DE as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence (Murphy) Nash-Ryan, sisters, Virginia Ellington, Frances Johnson and Rosemary Bassett and brother, Daniel Ryan.