John Ryles

JOHN A. RYLES, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 20, 2017. He was born in Ft. Smith, AR on October 25, 1945 and grew up in Booneville, AR. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Trudy Ryles of Scott, AR.; son Jason Ryles of Little Rock; daughter Allison Ryles of Little Rock; three grandchildren Justin Ryles, Lily Ryles, and Avery Ryles; his brother David Ryles of Ratcliff, AR.; his nieces and nephews Dave Ann Pennington, Brad Ryles, and Dayna (Tim) McGuire; and several great-nieces and nephews. He served in the US Army reserves for 22 years, retiring in 1990 as a Major. John supported many of his friends serving in Viet Nam and when they came home. There will be a military funeral and internment at a later date in The North Little Rock Military Veterans Cemetery. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1967, where he majored in Business and Finance and he minored in Accounting, he began his career in state government eventually becoming the budget director of the State of Arkansas. He held this position during two different governors. While in this position, he mentored many legislators and state employees.
He then served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, working with President Carl Whillock. He moved on to Arkansas Electric Coop where he served as Chief Financial Officer, under Mr. Whillock. During John's ten years at the Coop, they prevailed in having several rate reductions and no increases. He oversaw the largest banking transaction in Arkansas, at that time, with the GE Corporation and AP&L.
Ultimately, he settled into his true passion, which was real estate. He founded a real estate investment company after leaving the Coop and ten years later, formed a partnership with Stephen Whitwell. He enjoyed working alongside his son Jason, a year after the partnership was created through to the present. His daughter, Allison, joined the firm in 2016. It has grown to be the largest firm of its type in Arkansas. He was a real estate broker for nearly 50 yrs.
He and Trudy built their home on Old River Lake into a true family home for their kids and grandkids and his two dogs, Clipper and Chase. His favorite hobbies were crappie fishing on Old River Lake, deer hunting around Booneville, and traveling with his beloved wife and family across the U.S. and abroad. He was also well known for his great BBQ, as he loved cooking out almost every weekend. He was an avid collector of coins, stamps, and National Geographic magazines. There will be a visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 on Friday the 27th at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrews in Little Rock. There will be a Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Saturday the 28th. Following the mass, there will be a reception in McDonald Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015.
Online guest register at www.smithfamilycares.com