A Celebration of the Life of “Rusty” Ryon, 63, of Athens, will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at the Dogwood Church in Athens with Pastor Danny Rodriguez officiating. Services will be under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.
Mr. Ryon went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 in Athens.
Julious Elmo Ryon III was born July 7, 1952 in Waco, Texas the son of Julious Elmo Ryon Jr. and Elizabeth Lorene Scoggins Ryon. He was a dedicated member of Dogwood Church in Athens and stayed strong in his faith throughout his life. Rusty devoted his entire life to youth ministry, volunteering for Young Life and Coaches Outreach and working for many other youth organizations all over Texas since the 70’s. He worked for TAMCO as a certified ropes course instructor for over four years where he guided participants in developing communication, leadership and team building skills through the use of experimental exercises and guided discussions. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as working his cattle. Rusty loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart. Rusty was a loving brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by all he knew and loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Rusty is survived by two sisters and two brothers, Connie and Elvis Allen of Athens, Richard and Karen Ryon of Brownsboro, David and Anne Ryon of Hurst, Mary Alice and Wayne Pearson of Athens; six nieces and nephews, Chris and Holly Allen, Derek Allen, Christian Ryon, Caleb Ryon, Audrey Ryon, Ian Pearson, Ethan Pearson; one great niece Callie Allen, one great nephew Logan Allen.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to: Young Life of Henderson County, P.O. Box 2538, Athens, TX 75751-7538; 903-286-8013.