Mr. Lee Ryder

RYDER, Mr. Lee H., age 74 of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully, October 29, 2011. Lee was born July 5, 1937 in Matamoras, PA and attended Port Jervis High School. Lee discovered St. Lawrence University during a family visit to upstate NY. Always setting his sights high, he was determined to gain admission. He graduated in 1959 with a BS in Mathematics. He later received an MBA from NYU. He maintained a passion for learning throughout his life. Lee began his career as a Jr. Officer at Citibank in NYC, later joining the family business, J.O. Ryder Rendering Co., where he served as President until his retirement. He was a bold and determined businessman and grew the company dramatically. His success, afforded him the opportunity to retire at a young age. Lee was never one to stand on the sidelines. If something interested him, he jumped in with both feet. He started the Lions Club in Milford, PA and became its founding President. A car enthusiast, he raced Formula Fords. He was one of the first "certified" ski instructors in the country, and lived for ten years in Taos, NM because of his passion for skiing. He was an avid cyclist and once rode the Lewis and Clark Trail from MO to OR. After moving to Franklin, TN, Lee continued to pursue many interests, including cycling and golf. His many friends were drawn to his gregarious and optimistic attitude. Survived by wife, Elaine G. Ryder; sons, Lee (Kristin) Ryder, Jr. & Casey Ryder; daughters, Karen (Jack) Warrington and Amy (Christopher) Kranick; brother, Robert Ryder; sister, Linda Cowell; grandchildren, Emily & Natalie Kranick, Cooper Warrington, Burke & Teo Ryder. Visitation will be at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens located at 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin TN 37064 on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 5:00-8:00pm. Funeral Services will be at Franklin First United Methodist Church located at 143 Fifth Avenue, South Franklin, TN 37064 on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hematology Dept. at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Franklin High School Band Boosters, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com

Visitation Details

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Friday, November 4th, 2011 1:00pm, Franklin First United Methodist Church