Mr. Alfred [ Pop] Ryans, Sr.

Sunday, January 13, 1924 – Sunday, June 19, 2022

"Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You!"

~St. Luke 6:31

The Beginning

I was born by way of Mrs. Estella M. Lloyd, who worked as a Mid-wife.  My parents were over-joyed at my arrival, although I wasn't the first nor the last born to: Joseph William and Daisy (Brice) Rhyanes.  There were 17 children total.  To the best of my knowledge all were single births.  I was reared in two Christian Homes.  The home of my parents; and the home of my cousins, Charles & Bessie Griffin.  They had three children of their own, Elizabeth (Bubba) Francis, Albert Griffin, and Lillie (Lil) Mae Whittico.  Bubba and Lil loved to baby sit me. They were good cooks, also!  They soon became my "Sisters and Brother" so much so that one day I didn't want to go home.  My parents decided to let me stay with them.  There were 16 others left.  No matter which home I was in, the rules were the same.  Sunday morning meant going to Church; and treating others the way that you wanted to be treated.

My Christian Education

My Christian upbringing took place at John Wesley United Methodist Church, Carmichael, Queenstown, Maryland.  As I worked out "My Souls Salvation" I sang with, The Senior Choir, and The United Methodist Men.  I also served as a Trustee, and on The Administrative Board.  I discharged my duties faithfully.  I knew that God would be pleased with my service; and one day he would reward me.

In the community and school

I attended the Colored School in Carmichael.  In the winter sometimes the snow drifts would be piled as high as the fence.  But school went on!  After attending and being promoted from there, I attended Kennard High School, Centreville, MD.  Back then, there were only 11 grades.  I graduated from Kennard High School on June 16, 1942.  Mr. Larrie S. Jones was the principal.  Some of those who shaped and mold my life there were Miss Dorothy L. Hardy and Miss Marie Johnson (Brown).  It was also during this time "A certain young lady" had caught my eye.  Every morning I would stand at the door waiting for her bus to arrive.  I told a friend, "I'm gonna marry that girl."   After graduating from Kennard, I was employed for a period by my father, driving his school bus.  That last until my draft notice arrived.

Military Service

I was drafted and served two years in The United States Army, in Yokohama Japan.  I was a member of the 610th Port Company.  I was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan.  I was honorably discharged on July 27, 1947, at Ft. Lawton, Seattle, Washington.

Back home in Scottown USA

I resumed driving my father's school bus and working his small farm.  I continued my courtship of "The girl I intended to marry."  I gained employment driving tractor trailer for, Kent Freight Lines, for several years.  After they went out of business, I worked for several other companies; Friel Lumber Co., Reynolds and Gannon Builders, and Perfect Garment Sewing Factory.

Marriage

After courting Miss Alfreda Elizabeth Thomas for a period, I proposed marriage.  I promised her parents, Mr. & Mrs. William E., (Blanche Rebecca) Thomas that I would take care of her.  They gave their permission and blessing.  On Saturday, September 24, 1949, the late Reverend Robert Sylvester Caldwell, united us in Holy Matrimony, at the parsonage in Carmichael.  Together we worked side by side to build as much of a good life as possible for ourselves.  Six years after being blessed with "My Bride" on November 1, we were blessed again by the arrival of, Alfred Ryans, Jr.  Eleven months later October 12, Reginald Vernon Ryans, arrived.

Now having a family, it became an even greater task to take care of and be a good provider.  God Blessed us with good health and good friends and always opened doors for us.  There was always enough food and money to do what needed to be done.

The Later Years

For several years "My Bride" and I worked side by side as a team.  I worked in landscaping, and she was a home technician.  During this time in our lives God Blessed us to work for and meet some of the greatest people on earth.  Our final years of employment were spent at "Stag Well Farm" with friends, Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Batza, Jr.  For that we are so very thankful.

Our work at John Wesley U. M. Church has never stopped.  We sang together on the Senior Choir, while serving various other organizations.

"My Bride" and I were Blessed by Pastor Emeritus Clarence A. Waymen and the people of John Wesley, to receive the designation, "Mother of the Church" and "Father of the Church" on June 9, 2019.

I hope my life's story has helped someone as I've passed this way.

So, after 98 years, 5 months and 6 days, I need to take a nap. But first to those who remain, "My Bride" of 72 years, 8 months and 26 days, Alfreda Elizabeth Thomas Ryans, "Thank You!" Sons: Alfred Ryans, Jr., and Reginald Vernon, "Take care of your mother. We've had a good life together. Make sure she wants for nothing.  I promised her mother and father that I'd take care of her."   Daughter-in-law, Theresa Thomas-Ryans.  Grandchildren: Tamesha Alfreda Ryans-Deshields & husband Anthony Larry, Jr., (Pookie), and Alfred Ryans, III.  Great grandchildren: Kaley, Ta'quera, Anthony Larry, III, and Zakiya; and Great great grandson, Jayce Taylor (4 months old).  Adopted son, Martin (Marty) Batson.  Adopted grandson, Jason Wilson.  All the nieces, nephews, cousins and host of friends,

"Always remember to treat others as you want them to treat you."

Well, it's "Father's Day" Sunday, June 19, 2022, 1:40 p.m.   Time for my nap!

"I'm Alright!"