Walter Jules Ryan

Walter Jules Ryan, age 73, of Ocean Springs, MS, peacefully entered into the gates of heaven on November 25th, 2014. He was born on July 27th, 1941 in Ocean Springs, MS, where he was a lifelong resident. Mr. Ryan graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1959 and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He served with the Mississippi National Guard, and then entered into his lifelong career of senior material analyst at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He retired from Ingalls in 2003 where he devoted numerous years of service. Mr. Ryan was an active member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, in which he was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a board member of the Ocean Springs Recreation Department, and was actively involved in the Ocean Springs Jaycees. He was once named Outstanding Citizen of Ocean Springs, an honor he was extremely proud of. Mr. Ryan was devoted to his city of Ocean Springs, and his family was the light of his life. One could always find him coaching or umpiring at the ball fields, scouting, golfing, or fishing. On Friday nights, he loved serving his alma mater with his brother, Glenn, as one of the “Voice of the Greyhounds!” Mr. Ryan was truly a miracle! On June 14th, 1987, he received the greatest gift one could ask for---a second chance at life! He received a new heart at Ochsner Medical Center, and this summer, he had made his 27-year anniversary. While he was still able, Mr. Ryan participated in the United States Transplant Games and competed in the events of golfing, badminton, table tennis, and bowling. He was always proud to share stories about his transplant, and the importance of organ donation. Because of his personal testimony and success story, he gave others the inspiration to become organ donors, and gave countless others a second chance at life! He always firmly believed in the quote, “Don’t take your organs to heaven…heaven knows we need them here!” Mr. Ryan was the most family-oriented, caring, faithful, and generous man who devoted his life to his family and his community. Words cannot begin to express our sorrow, but we find great peace knowing he is in complete and perfect health with our Lord and his family! He is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Catherine Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Regina Zalusky Ryan, and their 3 children. His children include Gary Stephen Ryan, Kevin Michael Ryan (Rachel), and Kelly Ryan Geiser (Nicholaus). His seven grandchildren were his pride and joy. They include Shelby Ryan, Nora, Patrick, & Daniel Ryan, and Katy Lou, Mary Beth, and William Geiser. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Ryan, and his nephews, Glenn Jr., Jeff, Dean, and Steve Ryan. He also leaves behind his devoted furry friends, Sam and Barney. Visitation will be on Friday, November 28, from 1pm until 3pm, with a 3pm Mass of Christian Burial, all at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Bellande Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Ryan’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1626 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.