Ronald Ryan passed peacefully in his home on March 8, 2016 of lung cancer.  His daughter Tara Ryan was by his side.  Ronald was so thrilled that she came from New York 6 weeks ago to lovingly take care of him and keep him home as he wished.  Ronald lived in Independence since 1992.  He loved the mountains and the people here and called this his forever home.  Ronald's friends, who were many, playfully called him Rotten Ronnie.  Ronnie was a cabinet maker by profession and proudly had a team of wonderful men who worked with him for many years before he retired.  He loved building.  These mountains are filled with cabinets, as well as hutches, blanket chests, tables and cutting boards he made for many friends.  Everyone loved the working water wheel he built in his back yard and the train track he built going around the ceiling in his living room.  Ronnie's passion was also story telling.  He had wonderful adventures to share as he was deployed during the Korean War with the US Navy.  Ronnie served in the Navy in Viet Nam, the Philippines, Japan, and China.  He traveled the United States for most of his life and lived with at least 5 Native Indian Tribes across the Nation.  He loved people and history.  Ronnie shared his stories for quite some time at the Independence Library.  He was often surrounded by friends in his home telling his adventures and memories.    He was a member of Grayson County VFW Post #7726 with Commander Dan Boyer, who will conduct his Military Funeral Service.He was born December 1932 in the Bronx, N.Y.  His parents were James Joseph Frances Ryan and Helen Schalk.  His father was a driver for Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Roosevelt Mansion in Hyde Park, NY before he died in 1945. He had an older brother Joseph James Ryan.  He is survived by his daughters Tara Ryan and Kimberly Keefe and their spouses Mark Carnright and Timothy Keefe; 4 grandchildren M-Jai Harrell, Rigel Ryan, Corey Smith, Ryan Smith; 5 great grandchildren twin boys Alec & Rhydan Harrell, Caleb Smith, Brantly Ryan, and Chase Smith who was born on March 1st.  Ronnie's grandson Rigel Ryan loved calling him Grambo instead of Grandpa.The funeral service was held March 11, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence.  Services will be conducted by Father James (Priest of the Catholic Churches in Sparta & Jefferson, N.C.).  Chaplain Jerry Keegan of Hospice is also invited to speak.  Military Services will be conducted by the Grayson County VFW Post #7726.  Procession will continue to the Grubb's Chapel Cemetery on Old Bridle Creek Drive.  All are invited to share fellowship and food, as well as your memories of Ronnie with his family to follow at the Grubb's Chapel Hall on Old Bridle Creek Drive.  Ronnie's daughter Tara Ryan would like to thank all of the people at Mountain Valley Hospice who were a Godsend and absolutely amazing.  She would also like to thank all of the wonderful people who sent loving cards with support and encouragement.  Ronnie was very moved by all of the kind words and love.  She thanks also all of the people who showed up during the six weeks with food and hugs, and the people who called to check on her and Ronnie both.   Thank you also to the ladies at Grubb's Chapel who are determined to provide food after the services.   Thank you mostly to his friends and neighbors Jamie Woods who showed up daily to help wherever needed and Jessie who came in emergencies.  You were Dad's true friends and he loved you so much! Thank you all for your true Southern Hospitality.Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Independence.