Marlin E. "Sonny" Ryland

Marlin E. ""Sonny"" Ryland, Sr, age 79, of Gulfport, passed away on June 18, 2013 in Gulfport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucille Ryland; a brother, Warren ""Bud"" Ryland; and three sisters, Willadene Gans, Ardeth Bertucci, and Carroll Page.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Iris Ryland of Gulfport; two children, Marlin E. Ryland, Jr and Julie Foster (Jim), both of Gulfport; one grandchild, John Marlin Ryland of Gulfport; a sister, Palma James (Lee) of Albany, GA; a brother, Charles ""Skip"" Ryland (Peggy) of Gulfport; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Gulfport, he was a 1952 graduate of Gulfport High School and a 1956 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He served in the U.S. Air Force during his early years.
His career in finance included working at Coast Federal Savings and Loan and Security Savings and Loan before serving as Business Manager of the Gulfport School System. He was a founding member of the Gulfport Business Club, past president of the Gulfport Jaycees; and a member of the Gulfport Rotary Club.
He was a freelance writer and photographer and enjoyed gardening and music. He was a true fan of NASCAR racing. He attended Mississippi City United Methodist Church.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Mississippi City United Methodist Church, with a visitation from 9:00 AM until the service. Burial will follow at Coalville Cemetery, Woolmarket.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.
An online obituary may viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.