Homer Ryans

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Homer Lee Ryans, 69, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord at 2:00 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2009, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center following an extended illness.

He was born in Kingsport where he had lived his entire life. Homer graduated from Sullivan High School Class of '58 where he was captain of the basketball team and was an employee of Advance Auto Parts working as manager and assistant supervisor of this region. Later Homer owned and operated Ryans Auto Parts until his retirement. He was active in youth sports for many years coaching basketball, baseball, and football in the city and county leagues. He was a charter member of Long Island Ruritan and also a member of Loyal Order of Moose #972.

Preceding him in death were his daughter, Tena R. Matherly; his parents, Elbert and Annie Ryans; five brothers; and five sisters.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Johnnie Ryans of Kingsport; one son, Gregory Lee Ryans and fiancée Kimberly Gail Hickman of Kingsport; four grandchildren, Autumn, Meghan and husband Josiah, Jessie, Samuel; one sister, JoAnn Guy and husband Luther of Kingsport; two special nieces, Phyllis Ward of Kingsport, Pennie Rushing and family of Knoxville; several other nieces and nephews; special friends, James and Ruby Short and Family, The Henry and Maude Winston Family; and many other friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Oncology and Hematology Department at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center and his church family at Pactolus United Methodist Church.

Receiving of friends will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Joseph W. Manis and Dickie Warren officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Chris Townsley, Tom Hill, Sam Keicher, Joshua Rushing, Tom Hite, and Daniel Ryans. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Carter and Rick Rushing.

Memorial contributions may be given to the organization of the donor's choice or to Pactolus United Methodist Church, 170 Pactolus Road, Kingsport, TN 37663.