James Ryland

James H. Ryland, 73, went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 16, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of heart failure. Born September 12, 1935 in Veronia, PA, Mr. Ryland has been a resident of Bartow for over 55 yrs, moving from Fredonia, PA. He was a Real Estate broker and involved in the citrus industry for many years. He was a former Bartow City Commissioner; served 21 years on the City Zoning Board of Adjustments & served two terms as president of the Bartow Lions Club. He was a member of the Bartow First Assembly of God. He was a former member of the Army Reserve and the Florida National Guard. He was very involved in the Bartow community thoughout his life. He was preceded in death by his former wife: Corinne Ryland & a sister: Novella Ireland. He is survived by his wife: Gigi T. Ryland; daughters: Debbie Ray of Bartow; Joann Brown of McDonough, Ga. & Wendy Lee of Winter Haven. Step daughters: Susan Nyhof of Lakeland; Wendy Harris of Birmingham, AL; Diane Pearson & Melisa Thomas both of Lakeland; Step sons: Eric Gardner of Jacksonville & Lawrence Brock, Duane Brock & Al Brock all of Lakeland. Brother: Don Ryland of Fredonia, Pa; sisters: Marian Briggs of Texas & Mary Wilkerson of Lakeland. 15 Grandchildren & 18 Great Grandchildren Family will receive friends Tuesday, Jan 20, 6-8 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home,, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11:00 am at the First Assembly of God, 915 S. Broadway, Bartow. Memorals may be made to Bartow Lions Club Sight Conservation, P.O. Box 992 Bartow, FL 33831. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com