Maurice Ryan

1960 - 2024

Maurice Matthew Ryan, 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in Springdale on Sept. 27, 2024, from complications of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Maurice was a devoted and loving husband, father, son and brother, and was known for his kindness, generosity, humility, and unique well-timed sense of humor.

Maurice was born on Feb. 1, 1960, in Walnut Ridge, to the late Andrew Jackson Ryan Jr. and Mercedes Thennes Ryan. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS degree in Business Administration and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Maurice enjoyed a long and distinguished career in banking and finance. While working in Dallas, he met his future wife, Sheila Catherine Meland. They were married in Lakeland, Fla., in 1993 and had six children.

Maurice was a superb athlete and excelled at many sports, especially during his high school years in Walnut Ridge. He was also a life-long avid golfer. He was a patient and encouraging coach and enjoyed teaching sports skills to his children. Maurice was a faithful son of the church and cherished his Catholic faith. His favorite places in the world were at home spending time with his family, and in adoration of our Eucharistic Lord in the quiet hours of the morning. In that tiny chapel where heaven meets earth, he gave thanks and praise to God, and received the strength to bear his crosses, especially that of his illness, with grace, acceptance and surrender. He carried with him a serene joy in his unwavering faith in God's goodness.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Andrew Jackson "Jack" Ryan, III, and Timothy Ryan.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sheila Catherine Ryan, and his six children: John "Jack" Ryan of Lowell; Michael Ryan and Mark Christopher Ryan of Wilmington, N.C.; Catherine Ryan of Boulder, Colo.; and Philip Ryan and Hannah Ryan of the home. Other survivors include two brothers, his identical twin Mark Ryan of Bentonville, and Terry (Regina) Ryan of Walnut Ridge; and four sisters, Sharon Ryan Askins of Raleigh, N.C., Mary Ryan and Marie Ryan of Little Rock, and June Duckworth of Lakeland, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Teresa Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

A Requiem Mass will be held today, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1600 W. Graham Road in Springdale.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, and a Rite of Committal (burial) will be held on Friday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. at Lawrence Memorial Park.