Robert Reginald Ryland

Robert Reginald Ryland age 92, passed away on December 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee.  He was a resident of Hermitage, Tennessee, living at McKendree Tower.  He was born in Akron, Ohio on September 22, 1930, the son of Blanche C. (Funk) Ryland and Clair Oscar Ryland, who preceded him in death.  His wife, Sheila Anne (Urban) Ryland, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by three daughters and sons in law:  Laura Kim Ryland Polk and husband, Tim Polk of Nashville, TN; Amy Susan Ryland Westmoreland and husband James Westmoreland of Pearisburg, VA; and Jill Elaine Ryland and husband Tim Gibbin of Richmond, VA. He was “Poppy” to six grandchildren who are: Laura’s children: Jeremy and Jonathan Kaylor, Amy’s child: Emily Cook, Jill’s children: Katie, Tommy, and Henry Harris. And to five great-grandchildren:  Keyera and Jacob Kaylor, and Kate, Clay, and Luke Cook.

Robert was raised on a farm near Wooster, Ohio.  He has spent the last several years of his life writing down his memories by chapter for his family to cherish.  He graduated from Jeromesville High School, Salutatorian of his class.  He went on to pursue a degree in Engineering and graduated in 1953, (Cum Laude) with a B.S. in Mining Engineering and an M.S. in Mining Engineering in 1954.

He married Sheila Anne Urban in 1954. They were married 54 years before she died in 2011. Robert served in the United States Air Force for two years.

He worked in Cleveland Ohio as a mining engineer and was a key designer of the Morton Salt Mine.  His career spanned more than 39 years working at several companies, including Buckeye Coal Company, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, and Clinchfield Coal.

He raised his family in several places as he advanced his career.  From Cleveland, Ohio, to Fairmont, West Virginia, to Nemacolin, PA, to Pittsburgh PA, and then to Abingdon, Virginia.  He was active in the communities in which he lived.  He was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and served as a volunteer with Ecumenical Faith in Action.  He was instrumental in setting up the Stone Soup Pantry.

Robert set the example for living a life of integrity, being humble and kind, and being a life-long learner.  The Book of Virtues and the Moral Compass were among his favorite books, as is the quote:  Knowledge is Power. He loved to read and enjoyed gardening and music.  He believed in taking care of his health with a focus on the importance of exercise and vitamins.

The Memorial Service will be held at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, in Abingdon, VA, on December 31, 2022 at 11:00AM, with Pastor Dr. Brian Burch, (Pearisburg, VA) presiding.

For those wishing to share memories or express sympathy on-line may do so at wecare@farrisfs.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ecumenical Faith in Action, P.O. Box 2419, Abingdon, VA 24212 or to the Abingdon United Methodist Church Music Fund, 101 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210.