Soon after he returned home to New Albany after his long and exemplary military career, Bill started coming into the Public House. If not for this fortunate convergence, I wouldn’t have known him, and had I not known Bill Ryall, I’d have missed so damned much.
The last time I saw him was just a few weeks ago, when he joined the annual Cummins silent auction sampling group for quality time in the Red Room. It was so typical of Bill to bring me a small gift: A laminated menu from the Schlenkerla tavern in Bamberg, and two Rauchbier coasters. He always had a book to recommend, or an article to read, and on occasion, I’d get the longer-form stories about his time in Europe. He’s simply irreplaceable. Sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
In Memory of William Fondren Ryall, April 25, 1940 – December 2, 2013
Former IU Southeast Tennis Coach Bill Ryall Passes Away At 73
