Caroline Poole Ryan

Published 2:24 pm Monday, June 23, 2025

Caroline Poole Ryan, age 97, of Greenville passed away Thursday, June 19 at home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Ryan was born February 1, 1928. 

Mrs. Ryan was preceded in death by her mother and father, Rufus Poole and Jennie Vieve Poole; her brothers Edward Poole (Dot) and Billy Poole (Eloise); son-in-law Dr. Duane Williams and her husband of 48 years, James J. Ryan. 

She is survived by her children, James J. Ryan, Jr (Renee), Thomas E. Ryan (Audrey) and Edith Ryan Williams. Survivors also include her grandchildren Tucker Ryan Pearson, Rebecca Ryan Bunt (Dave), Thomas P. Ryan, Joseph T. Ryan (Erica), Michael Ryan Waite and Caroline Waite Tilley (Stephen); her great-grandchildren Milla Kaye, Edward and Caroline Pearson, Mary Ryan, Will and Annie Bunt, Dozier and Jennie Vieve Ryan, Cameron Waite, Sadie and Reese Ryan and her many beloved nieces and nephews. 

11Mrs. Ryan was a graduate of Huntingdon College and taught school in Union Springs before marrying the love of her life, James J. (Sugar) Ryan. She served as a volunteer organist for over forty years and was a founding member of Woodland Heights Methodist Church in Greenville. She served on the board of the Alabama Ladies Golf Association for four years and is a past champion of the Greenville Ladies Golf Tournament. She was a member of the Fort Dale Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, member of Colonial Dames of America, a member of Magna Carta Dames and member and past president of the Pride of Greenville Garden Club. She served on the American Cancer Society board and served as chairman of the American Cancer Survivors Luncheon for a number of years. She was also the American Cancer Society memorial chairman. As a member of the Cornet Club, Mrs. Ryan participated in the organization of the first Red Cross Blood Bank program in Greenville. She was also active in the Greenville Area Arts Council, the Camellia Society, and the Butler County Historical Society. 

Mrs. Ryan was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a dear friend to many. She will be greatly missed. 

A private graveside service was held Monday, June 23 at 10 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery in Greenville. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at The First Baptist Church in Greenville. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.