The Longleaf Trace notes with sadness the death of Jerry Ryan, 62, a Hattiesburg businessman who leaves behind a legacy of service in our community.

Ryan, co-owner and vice president of Ryan Motors Inc., died Wednesday morning October 22, 2003 when a car struck the bike he was riding on W.S.F. Tatum Boulevard.

Ryan willingly gave his time and energy to a number of worthy causes, most notably, his efforts to help create the Longleaf Trace and his support of the Boy Scouts of America.

If you would like to honor the memory of Jerry Ryan, the family has requested memorials be sent to Longleaf Trace, P.O. Box 15187, Hattiesburg, Miss., 39404-5187. Make checks payable to the Jerry Ryan Memorial Fund. Donations can also be made at any branch of Great Southern National Bank. The Longleaf Trace plans to use the Jerry Ryan Memorial Fund monies to improve and dedicate some part of the Trace in Jerry's memory.

Ryan's acts of charity and kindness in our community will be remembered for a long time. Jerry's many friends and family held a memorial ride in his memory on Sunday November 2, 2003, and hope to make it an annual event. See Memorial Ride.

10/24/03 WDAM: A good man was buried today.  Jerry Ryan, co-owner of Ryan Motors in Hattiesburg, was killed while doing something he truly loved-bicycling. Hit from behind by an automobile, his life was virtually instantly taken at the age of 62.  Perhaps there is truth to the old saying about the good dying young. 

As anyone who knew Jerry would readily attest, he was extraordinarily giving--unfailingly warm and caring--with a ready smile and a generous spirit.  He devoted much of his time and resources to help make our community and our society a better place.  At 62 years of age he was younger in body, mind and spirit than most people half his age.  He leaves his family, including four sons, a legacy of which they can be very proud indeed.  The book of Proverbs tells us that' "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."  While Jerry Ryan was a very successful businessman from a successful and respected family, that is not the primary thing for which he will be remembered as the years take the full measure of the man.