Wayne Ryan

Wayne Herman Ryan, 85, a Korean War veteran who loved his family and the outdoors, passed away Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, in his native Winston-Salem. Born on Aug. 5, 1933, to Ruth Sink and R.C. Ryan, Sr., Wayne was the youngest of eight children. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, then met his wife, Johnsie Carolyn Ryan, while working at R.J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem. The two were married July 20, 1957 and raised four children. Wayne, a driver for Roadway Express, retired in 1992. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved camping and fishing trips to Cherokee and White Lake, N.C. He relished gardening and he was especially proud of his tomatoes. Wayne loved and savored time with his beloved dog, Maggie. He was a lifelong NASCAR fan, following Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. Wayne was an inspiration to many as he survived numerous cancer diagnoses and surgeries with grit and determination. He is preceded in death by his wife, siblings and parents. Wayne is survived by his son, Robert, of Winston-Salem; daughters Debbie Downham (Terry) of Winston-Salem; Lynn Hatcher (John) of Summerfield, and Elaine Ryan of Winston-Salem; granddaughter, Brandy Thomas (Jordan) and grandson, Ryan Steen of Winston-Salem; great granddaughters, Kelsey and Lyla Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.  One of his nieces said, “He was the last example of our own personal Greatest Generation”. “Special thanks” to Doctors Ted Nifong, Jimmie Hart and Timothy Collins, who saw him through cancer treatment; and to the staff at Acadia Grill for becoming a part of his extended family. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan.3, 2019, at Hayworth Miller Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan.5, 2019 at Hope Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Ginger’s Fund, P.O. Box 1036, Thomasville, NC 27361