William “Billy” Ryan William “Billy” John Ryan, Jr., 49, of Pickford, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 29, 2010, while working in Grand Rapids.

He was born November 14, 1960, in Detroit.

Until Mr. Ryan was 12 years old, his family lived in Taylor, and then they moved to Pickford, where he was graduated from high school in 1978.

Since his family had moved back to Taylor, he moved back there, as well, for a few years. He worked hard as a truck driver, welder, and mechanic and saved money toward his goal of moving back to the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Ryan returned to Pickford about 20 years ago and lived with friends while he built his dream home. He worked for Flotation Docking Systems of Cedarville, where he performed many different jobs.

He married Jennifer Jane Moore September 7, 1996.

Mr. Ryan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, riding his all terrain vehucke, hunting, and fishing. If he wasn't outside enjoying the outdoors, friends said, he was inside watching Nascar. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many, and generous with his time and talents to anyone who needed his help. Spending time with his son was his greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife and their young son, Zachary Thomas Ryan. Also surviving are his parents, William and Sharon (nee Sweeney) Ryan of Taylor; his sister and her husband, Susie Ryan and Thomas Foote of Newport, and their children, Arianne, Aaron, and Austin Foote. He will also be missed by his father and mother-inlaw, Tom and Karen Moore of Cedarville; two sisters-in-law and their families, Molly and Todd Snyder of Cedarville and Miami, Florida, and Kirsten and Jason Bohn of Cedarville, and nieces and nephews, Ellie and Ethan Snyder and Emma and Thomas Bohn.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Mae Ryan and Richard and Edna Sweeney.

Visitation was Tuesday, August 3, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford. Services will be Wednesday, August 4, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Les Cheneaux Community Schools, P.O. Box 366, Cedarville, MI 49719.