Ryland Dare

Ryland Euell Dare, 76, of Mount Holly, Arkansas, passed away on September 1, 2025. Born on February 6, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Robert Glenn and Nellie Dare, Ryland was the eldest son of six children. Affectionately known as “Rock,” he was a man whose strength and loyalty touched everyone who knew him.

Ryland was a proud graduate of Wood River High School, where he earned the title of state champion wrestler. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966, serving proudly during the Vietnam War until 1972, receiving the National Defense and Vietnam Service Medals. His service to his country was a source of pride throughout his life, and he continued to be an active member of several veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion Post 794 in East Alton, Illinois, and the VFW Post 4554 in East Camden, Arkansas. He also served as Commander in Chief of the VFW in Magnolia, Arkansas.

A hardworking man through and through, Ryland worked for over 35 years in the steel mill industry, starting at Missouri Rolling Mill and later working at Franklin Steel in Pennsylvania before ending his career at CMC, formerly known as, SMI Steel-Magnolia. His dedication to his craft earned him the role of superintendent and earned the respect of his colleagues and peers.

In his personal life, Ryland was an avid player of darts and horseshoes, and his love for dancing was legendary. He was also an enthusiastic collector of firearms and a passionate fan of Western films. His joy for life was infectious, and his presence was always felt. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother whose devotion to family was unmatched.

Ryland was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Glenn and Nellie Dare; his sister, Diane Woolverton; his brother, Randall Dare; and his former wife, Pam Polittle, mother of his daughters, Michele and Nikki. He leaves behind his beloved wife and friend of 36 years, Dolores "Dody" Dare; his daughters, Michele (Ron) Scott of Godfrey, Illinois, and Nikki (Eric) Hall of Cottage Hills, Illinois; his son, Ryland Eric Dare (Ingra Harris) of Magnolia, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Nicolas (Samantha Wallace) Boswell, Zachary (Lauren) Boswell, Taylor Allen, Tanner Allen, Reese Dare, and Jessi Graham; and his three great-grandchildren, Xyander Boswell, Clarke Boswell, and Oliver Doran. He is also survived by his three brothers, Robert (Karen) Dare, Matthew (Sandy) Dare, and Andrew (Diane) Dare; Janet Dare, mother of Ryland Eric, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Ryland's legacy of love, loyalty, and service will continue to live on through his family, who cherished him dearly. A man of integrity and strength, Ryland leaves behind a lifetime of memories, and his absence will be felt by all who knew him.

The Celebration of Life service for Mr. Ryland Euell Dare will be held on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at the Cottage Hills VFW Post 7678 at 1:00 pm. The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Cottage Hills VFW Post 7678, (121 South Williams Street, Cottage Hills, IL 62018), in care of Michele Scott.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.