Mr. Jewel Ryan

The Loving Memory Of Jewel "Butch" Ryan: Jewel Ryan, affectionately known as Butch, was born in Houston, Texas on June 10, 1949 to Alfred Ryan, Sr., and Minnie Lee Ryan. In 1955, seeking a better future for their family, Alfred and Minnie stepped out on faith and moved, with their children, Barbara Ann, Butch and Charles, to Detroit, Michigan. As a child, Butch accepted Christ in his life while attending Christ Unity Fellowship Church, in Detroit, under the leadership of the late Reverend Lois Anderson. While attending Christ Unity, Butch learned the prayer which would become his favorite, “The Prayer of Faith”, and “The Golden Rule”, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Butch was educated in the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Detroit Northern High School. At an early age, Butch developed a strong work ethic, inspired by his father, who told his children “that nothing comes to a sleeper, but a dream”. With those words as inspiration, and his love for nice clothes, Butch held several jobs during his teenage years. He worked a full time shift at Ford Motor Company, during his senior year of high school. Needless to say, Butch was one of the sharpest dressers at Northern High. While in high school, Butch met Sheila Graham, of Highland Park, Michigan. They began dating and were married on January 17, 1970. To this union, two children were born, daughter, Shalon and son, Erik. Until her passing in 2006, Sheila and Butch shared 36 happily married years. In 1968, Butch enlisted in the United States Navy, and served honorably until his discharge in 1974. While serving his country in Vietnam, Butch was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Butch began working as a salesman for Michigan Cat (heavy equipment dealer), in Novi, MI. Butch enjoyed his 38 years of service (retiring in 2009) at Michigan Cat, as well as the wonderful people with whom he worked and those with whom he became friends. Butch wasn’t just all about work and no play. He valued the fun times he shared with his family and friends. Several of Butch’s closest friends were in his life for 50 plus years. He enjoyed out-of-town trips and other fun activities with his family and friends. Two of Butch’s greatest passions were Detroit ballroom dancing and playing golf. Butch would attend several ballroom classes a week. He wanted to be “smooth” on the dance floor. Butch loved playing golf with his golf brothers of The Par Shooters Golf Club. He enjoyed taking the annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach with them. In 2012, Butch won three golf tournaments: The Par Shooters’ Conrad Simonds Memorial Tournament, The Detroit Parks and Recreation Senior Flight Tournament, and The Myrtle Beach Invitational Silver Flight Tournament. That year, for some reason, Butch’s head became enlarged, and his golf cap would no longer fit his head. Having learned The Golden Rule at an early age, Butch treated people with respect and decency. He was a gentleman, another quality he acquired from his father. Butch was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. A few years ago, Butch met Ms. Shirley Ross, of Southfield, MI, at a Detroit ballroom dance class, of course. They became friends, and a special relationship developed. Butch and Shirley were married on May 9, 2017. Butch and Shirley cherished the time they were able to share. Butch fought cancer courageously for three years. He would not let it steal his joy. He continued to enjoy life with his family and friends. Butch neither complained nor said “why me?”. He just kept on living by The Prayer of Faith. God allowed Butch to reach his 68th birthday on Saturday, June 10th. On June 14, 2017, God delivered Butch from his pain.

Mr. Jewel Ryan

June 10, 1949 - June 14, 2017