He was born in Mobile, AL to the late Joseph Ryne and Maria Inge Ryne. The family moved to Southport, NC, shortly after his birth, living there until 1963, when the family moved to Macon.
Joseph was involved with the Macon Little Theater, both on and off stage, and enjoyed playing guitar with his friends. He graduated from Mount De Sales high school and went on to live in Mobile, working on a shrimp boat. This led him to join the Coast Guard, where he was a Seaman stationed aboard the USCGC Chase, home ported in Boston. He planned to enter Electronics Training school, when he was seriously injured in the line of duty, resulting in medical retirement. He stayed in Boston for a short time, working in the theater as a stage hand and constructing sets for summer stock in New Hampshire. After returning to Macon, Joseph worked for Star Choices addressing community reintegration for clients, as well as volunteering for the Special Olympics.
Joseph loved the outdoors and spent many hours walking with his beloved dog, Hobbes. He also enjoyed running and was a member of the Middle Georgia Hash House Harriers, where he made life long friends. He was a voracious reader, fully utilizing the library with numerous books checked out at any given moment. Joseph was a knot tyer extraordinaire, with the ability to tie any type of knot for any type of situation. He also had an artistic side, dabbling in calligraphy and making plaster molds of the faces of monuments in Rose Hill.
Despite having to retire early from the Coast Guard, ending a potential life career, Joseph maintained a positive attitude and was always open to new experiences and learning. One of his CG ship mates recalled that he loved life in a way he had seldom seen. Among his passions was History, often quoting Churchill. Here are two of his favorites.
~Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.~
~We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.~
Joseph is survived by his daughter, his brother, Richard McWilliams III(Gena), sisters Ria Ryne and Gratia Ryne, niece Molly Wilkins, nephew Richard McWilliams IV (Kelly) and other extended family.
He is predeceased by parents Joseph and Maria Ryne, and constant companion, Hobbes.
There will be a service at St. Peter Claver Friday, October 20 at 1:00.
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