Howard Ryans

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. John 3:16

On Monday, April 28, 2008, the Lord called and "Papaw" answered. Bunch was 66 years old and was a loving husband, dad, papaw, brother, and friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and watching his grandkids. Bunch attended Gospel Mission Church and Sunrise Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Elbert and Annie Ryans; brothers, Ernest, Dana, Rufus, and Herman Ryans; and sisters, Georgia Lee Vaughn, Daisy Johnson, Beatrice Puckett, and Blanche and Ida Dykes.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; one son, Daniel Ryans and wife Deborah; two daughters, Teresa McConnell and husband Robert, Vickie Smith and husband Dwayne, all of Kingsport; grandchildren, Heath and Nathan Ryans, Logan and Taylor McConnell; a brother, Homer Ryans and wife Johnnie of Kingsport; and one sister, Jo Ann Guy and husband Luther of Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Shelton Meade and Pastor Lewis Meade officiating. Rev. Orville Dolen will serve as honorary minister.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Cemetery. Pallbearers will be T. J. Bernard, Danny Dolen, Roy Dolen, Charles Dolen, Charles "Udd" Scott, and Robbie Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Cox, Orville Sherfey, and Dayton Debord.