Coach Doc Ryan

The committal service for Coach Doc Ryan will be at 11:00am, Thursday, January 2, 2025 at D/FW National Cemetery and will be in LANE 1. Per D/FW policy, please DO NOT assemble in Lane 1 prior to 10:45am. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Coach Ryan's love for education, contributions are strongly encouraged by his family to a scholarship set up in his honor by his sons at https://bold.org/funds/coach-doc-ryan-memorial-scholarship-fund/ Coach “DOC” Ryan passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024 at his residence surrounded by family. He was born June 1, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio to Howard and Helen Kelly Ryan, both of whom preceded him in death along with his brother, David Ryan. Doc was the son of a career military family and lived all over the United States and Germany attending schools in Germany, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas and Oklahoma, graduating in 1966 from Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Ok. After graduation, Doc enlisted in the U.S. Army dutifully serving his country and was stationed at many bases as well as in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Doc attended Cameron University in Lawton. While at Cameron, he also excelled as an athlete on the college’s football team. Upon receiving his degree, he began on a long and fulfilling career as an educator. Doc moved to Terrell and began coaching and teaching in 1982 where he coached football and track, taught Health Sciences and PE and, while it was still offered at the TISD campus, driver’s education. He retired (the first time!) in 2014 but never one to stay still, he began working with Mabank ISD where he continued to make an impact on young lives and colleagues. In the last few years, Coach Ryan returned to TISD and helped in every way he could by being in the classroom as a stand in teacher or coaching PE to a new generation of Terrell at the GLA campus. His constant smile and always welcoming personality made him a favorite of all the students and while many were blessed enough to have Doc as a coach and teacher, ALL were blessed to have his wisdom and encouragement. Coach Ryan was a frequent sight in the halls, on the field, on the track, and in the classroom and whether he was inspiring everyone with his with his words or his example, he became a mentor to countless students over the years. His signature phrase “Looking good!” was his unique way of encouraging, interacting and relating to not only his students, but also to fellow faculty and the parents. His iconic personality was a beacon of hope to many of the youth who needed that type of attention and commitment from an educator. Coach Ryan’s example of hard work accomplishes achievements gave all who met him, young or old, student or teacher, resident or visitor, the example they needed to make their own dreams come true. There are surely an infinite number of stories of how Coach Ryan inspired, motivated, influenced and positively impacted every one of his players and students and each story is an echo of the passion and enthusiasm Coach Ryan displayed every day as a gifted educator. Coach Ryan leaves his legacy to be carried on by his sons: Truck Ryan (Stacie), Justin Ryan (Jessica), David Ryan (Audrey); grandchildren: Averi, Collin, Gabrielle, Hannah, Arick and Ryder; siblings Thomas Ryan (Kathy), Diane Nichols (Dave) and John Ryan; former wife and mother of his children Deb Livingston, as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives along with the countless students. Coach Ryan embodied the true spirit of a born educator- words matter and, with hard work and dedication, success can ALWAYS be achieved. “Looking good!” Memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of Coach Ryan will be 1:00 p.m. Friday December 20, 2024 at the Terrell Performing Arts Center. Family will receive friends Thursday December 19, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations. Interment will be at DFW National Cemetery at a later date.

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Coach Doc Ryan

June 1, 1948 - December 12, 2024