Mr. Aubrey “Buddy” Ryans, Jr., son of the late Aubrey O. and Cedonia M. Ryans was born on August 24, 1952 in Wilmington, DE. He transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home on September 18, 2017.

Buddy, as he was affectionately called by all who knew him, was educated in the Wilmington Public School System. After exiting school, Buddy spent two years in the U.S. Army. He was able to use the skills learned in the Army to have a successful career of 31 years at the Veterans Hospital in Elsmere, DE. He worked hard and retired in 2007, ending his profession in the position of supervisor of Environmental Management.

As life would have it, God sent Shirley Shorter into Buddy’s life and they were united in Holy Matrimony on August 7, 1982 in Woodstown, NJ. This union was blessed with two children, Shareece Ann White, daughter through marriage, and Aubrey Maurice Ryans, heir to family name.

Buddy was full of life and full of wisdom. He was excellent in giving advice. He was able to correct in love and humor. His undiscovered comedic talent helped so that one never felt condemned but was able to learn from his wisdom, laugh at the situation, and learn from it. He genuinely made people happy. His voice was magnetic. People were drawn to hear what he was going to say as anyone would know a joke was not far away. Buddy was dependable, intelligent, and loved to have fun. He could be found listening to music and hanging with his friends in Prices Park. In fact, Buddy and his friends created a brotherhood call the Rebels.

Buddy could be found fishing, and hunting especially in Purina, one of his favorite spots. Buddy loved baseball and playing sandlot football with his neighborhood friends. In his youth, these were of his favorite pastimes. He started his athletic climb while playing baseball at the Kingswood Community Center. Buddy was able to travel to the Bahamas where his team won the championship. Buddy’s baseball talent played for Pierre S. DuPont High School. He continued to play through his adult years with the Veterans Administration (VA) baseball team. Buddy was not only good in baseball; he even played a little football.

Buddy was a city boy. He adored growing up and living in the city. In fact, as he grew older, he never wanted to move from his home located in the city of Wilmington. This love of the city did not come without the experience of rural life. He spent summers in Centreville, MD with his father. He loved the time with his father and other relatives, but found the country life not quite his style.

His life will forever be cherished by his wife, Shirley Ryans of Wilmington, DE; his daughter, Shareece A. White and son, Aubrey M. Ryans of Wilmington, DE; sisters, Danata “DeeDee” L. Harding of Wilmington, DE and Karen Downes of Centreville, MD; brothers, Donnie Demby of Denton, MD, and Ray Sewell of Yorktown, VA; beautiful grandchildren, Surayyah B. Hawkins and Leland M. Booker; great grandson, Sinqua William Lucas; nephew, Albert Jemar Ryans. He was predeceased by grandson, William “Billy” S. Rollins, VI and nephew, Brandon L. Ryans. He is also survived by a host of beloved aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends He left us his legacy of laughter and never giving up.

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