Gary Lee Ryan — beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many — went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Gary was born on June 29, 1948, in California to John and Lorell Ryan, one of six children he grew up with his three brothers and two sisters. Music became an important part of his life at an early age. He sang in the All-State Choir, fronted a high school band called The Mystics, and spent years writing songs of his own. He went on to build a long and successful career as an executive in the insurance brokerage market.

Gary accomplished a great deal in his life. He won the Texas Left-Handed Golf Championship playing one-handed, coached a team to a Little League World Series title, and was inducted into the Wheelchair Bowling Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in bringing wheelchair bowling to the Paralympics, opening the door for countless athletes who came after him. His passion for flying led him to open Windsock Aviation, where he taught more than 200 people to fly, including many challenged students whom others had doubted. One of his most fulfilling moments was coaching the Jersey Village High School summer Varsity baseball team and the Jersey Village High School Bowling team.  He never allowed a handicap stand between himself and his goals, and he encouraged everyone around him to approach life the same way.

He loved baseball, football, golf, bowling, hunting and flying, and he brought the same fierce determination and competitive fire to each of them. His love for his family was undying.

Gary is survived by Onie Ryan; his daughters, Cheryl Keyworth (Kelly), Lori Sipes (Rixie), and April Restrepo; his stepson, Josh Batilla; his grandchildren, Leah, Sarah, Casey, Jessica, Allyson, Emily, Hunter, Christian, Corinne, Celeste, Sofia, Dylan; and his great-granddaughter, McCann. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Gil, Gregg, Glenda, and Gayle and nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorell Ryan and brother Glenn.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of showing everyone around him that no matter what life hands you, handicap or not, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.  He always wanted to give back more than he has taken. His family believes that he accomplished that goal in life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Challenge Air for Kids and Friends in memory of Gary Lee Ryan.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Lamas Memorial Park Cemetery in Taft, Texas.

A luncheon will immediately follow at King’s Inn, located at 1116 S. County Road 2270, Riviera, Texas 78387. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we continue to remember and celebrate Gary’s life.

A guestbook is available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com.

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.