William J. Ryan (Bill), 80 of Raleigh, NC formerly of Portage, IN and Chicago Ridge, IL, passed away peacefully Monday, December 12, 2016 at Transitions Hospice, Raleigh NC.
Bill was born Sept 4, 1936 to Lillian E. Gaffney and John J. Ryan II. Beloved Husband of the late Sadonna Jacob (Ryan) who he married May 5, 1956.

Bill is survived by his daughters Kim and Lori; sons Tom (Ann), Bill (Elaine), Kevin (Patti), and Jeff (Mary); Grandchildren Jason, Shaun, Ashley, Kristopher, Kaetlyn and Allyson. Great Grandchildren Lillyann, Logan, Breylon, and Annabelle; brothers Bob and Gene; sisters-in-law Renate (Rena), Connie and Ardythe (Flink) Kowalinski; and many nephews & nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, Bud, Jack, Dan and Pat, sisters-in-law Jackie, Pat and Kay.

Bill served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1954 to 1963. He traveled to trade shows throughout the United States for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. The many years of work provided for his family and led to great stories of being on the road. After retirement, he and Sadonna moved to Portage, Indiana where they became active members of the Bonner Senior Center. He enjoyed the friends he made there and served as a handyman for years. In 2015, he moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. He quickly made many new friends. Whenever he had time with family and friends he joined activities with a smile. He was known for playing pool (a first place champion among his peers) and backgammon, and would pass time alone doing word puzzles or reading his favorite author James Patterson. Bill was an avid sports fan. He loved a good ball game and was elated to have seen the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series. Everywhere Bill went he made a friend, even though in his own words he was "shy".

Memorial visitation will be Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 2-8 p.m., at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, IN. A memorial service will take place Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel with Pastor Bob Burton officiating. A private Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Please call (219) 762-3013 or go online to share condolences with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Lung Association at www.lung.org or American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.