Charles M. "Chuck" Ryan, age 71, of Jonesboro, died Monday afternoon at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Booneville, Miss., Ryan lived in Helena before moving to Jonesboro in 1991. He was retired from the U.S. Army and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro where he was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School class, and was active in the Church Care Center.

Ryan was a member of the Helena Masonic Lodge and was a sports enthusiast. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and supported all sports teams in Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents: J.P. and Mary Ryan, and by a brother: Harold Ryan.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ryan of the home; two sons: Charles Michael Ryan of Biloxi, Miss., and Mark Anthony Ryan of Slidell, La.; four step daughters: Charlotte Smith and Renee Kegley, both of Corning and Brenna Boone and Tammy Fitts, both of Jonesboro; four brothers: Edwin Ryan of Woodville, Miss., and Ronnie Ryan, Gary Ryan and Lynn Ryan, all of Lepanto; one sister: Wanda Smith of Chicago; 15 grandchildren: Donnie Ryan, Michelle Ryan, Shavon Ryan, Chase Ryan, Courtney Courtney, Michael Smith, Christy Smith, Zach Prater, Ty Prater, Joseph Boone, Madaline Boone, Abigail Boone, Matthew Fitts, Aaron Fitts and Frances Fitts and one great-grandson: Clay Smith.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro with Bruce Tippit and Kathy Holler officiating. Burial will be private.

Honorary pallbearers include members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and his morning coffee friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 4 -- 7 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

The family requests that lasting memorials be made to First Baptist Church building fund, or Care Center, 701 S. Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401.

An online registry may be found at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.