Charles Francis Ryan

Charles Francis Ryan, 87, passed away on April 6, 2025. A native of Fresno, California, son of the late Charles F. Ryan, Sr., and Mary M. McGuire Ryan, he was a retired Colonel from the United States Air Force and a member of Praise Cathedral and Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Hellen Turner Ryan, of the home; daughters, Jill Shelton (Robert) of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Joy Hayden of Greer, South Carolina; and two step-daughters, Mary Gausta (John), Terri Scarbrough (David); a son, Charlie; a brother, Tim Ryan (Julie) of Fresno, California; two sisters, Charlene Presti of Sacramento, California and Mary Francis Tomlinson of Hollister, California; eight grandchildren, Joseph Hayden (Rebekah), Jonathan Hayden (Alana), Joelle Hayden, Sarah Shelton, Sophia Shelton, Daniel Shelton, Andrew Shelton, Hazel Shelton; two great-grandchildren, Oakley Hayden, baby-to-be Hayden; four step-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren. Charles, most commonly known as Chuck, was a loving husband and dad with a fervent commitment to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chuck graduated from Fresno State with his Bachelor's degree and a Master’s in Public Administration from Auburn University. He was a career, combat-disabled veteran who faithfully served his country for 30+ years as a Logistics Officer and achieved the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force. He received many awards over his 30-year service time. These include the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 devices), AF Commendation Medal (2 devices), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Pistol Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal (1 device), AF Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon (1 device), AF Overseas Service Short Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (1 Device), AF Organization Excellence Award (1 Device), AF Outstanding Unit Award. Chuck was faithful to the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors, SC, for over 20 years. As a committed family leader and man of God, Chuck was faithful to Praise Cathedral Church of God in Greer, SC, alongside his family for over two decades. He was a loyal fan of Praise Cathedral Church basketball, softball, and intramural games and enjoyed serving during the Christmas season. The legacy of a life fully lived and loved by his country, his family, and most importantly, his Savior, Chuck will be remembered and missed by so many. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. at Praise Cathedral in Greer, South Carolina. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Praise Cathedral, conducted by Pastor Jerry Madden. Burial will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025,10:00 a.m. at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina. Memorials may be made to Praise Cathedral Missions Fund, PO Box 287, Greer, South Carolina 29652. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com

Charles Francis Ryan

July 26, 1937 - April 6, 2025