Rev. Dr. Fred A. Ryle, Jr.

WEATHERFORD -- The Rev. Dr. Fred A. Ryle Jr., 81, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, in Weatherford. Service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Grace First Presbyterian Church. Interment: 1 p.m. Saturday in East Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at White's Funeral Home. He was born Oct. 23, 1934, in Sherman to Fred A. Ryle and Lois Caviness Ryle. After graduating from Occidental College, he received his bachelor of divinity from Union Theological Seminary and later his doctor of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1962, the Rev. Ryle married Barbara Carolyn Jones in California, a marriage that was blessed for 53 years. After seminary, he began his ministry in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., serving churches in Slayton and Monahans. In 1971, he and Barbara and their young son Jonathan moved to Weatherford, where he became the minister of Grace First Presbyterian Church. Their son Christopher was born in 1972. During the 28 years that he served Grace First, he enjoyed the challenges of a growing and active multi-generational church. The Rev. Ryle also served the larger Presbyterian Church, holding many positions in Grace Presbytery, including moderator in 1995, and the Synod of the Sun, which he served as moderator in 1978-1979. He was a candidate in 1990 for moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church U.S.A. In 1999, he retired from active service at Grace First, but was named pastor emeritus and continued to serve the congregation and the Presbytery in many ways. Service to others was always foremost to the Rev. Ryle. He contributed to the city of Weatherford in countless ways. He was active in founding Manna Storehouse, Inc., along with other local ministers and laypeople, and helped organize the Parker County Transportation Board and the Cancer Care of Parker County Board. He served in several capacities with Weatherford Civic Development, including serving as president, and was active in the establishment of the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. He also served for many years on the Weatherford Library Foundation, also as president. He was active for many years in the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. In 1986 the Rev. Ryle was named Outstanding Citizen of Weatherford by the Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his contributions to the community. Survivors: The Rev. Ryle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; son, Jonathan and wife, Christi; son, Christopher and wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Mica, Bryce, Colt, Pacer and Titan; sister, Annette Strangman; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. White's Funeral Home Weatherford, 817-596-4811