In 2000, Ryland was named the first Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Prior to his retirement in 2011, he was named the organization’s Tennessean of the Year. Mike Keith, the voice of the Tennessee Titans, said Ryland “brought together Tennessee’s best and brightest from the world of athletics and, in the process, has not only put the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on the map, he’s put it on the road to greatness.”
Ryland was an avid sports fan and most passionate about University of Tennessee athletics, serving as president of the Nashville area Big Orange Club. In 2006, he faced his most serious competitor — pancreatic cancer — with a courage that was inspirational to everyone he knew. After his diagnosis, he took every opportunity to share his knowledge and encouragement with other pancreatic cancer patients. At the time of his death, Ryland was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he met Pastor Todd Jones with whom he developed a deep, spiritual friendship.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 5 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN. The service will be preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m. in the Cheek House at First Presbyterian Church.
Rest in peace my friend. You fought a good fight and will be missed by many.
December 12, 2018 at 4:51 pm, Bill Battle said:
So sad to learn of Ryland’s passing. He has been a good friend since my time at Tennessee ’66 -’76. He definitely was a difference maker is his leadership of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. My condolences to his family and friends.
Bill Battle