Ernest Gordon Ryman

September 6, 1937 - December 3, 2016

Ernest Gordon Ryman, age 79 of Kingston Springs, TN, a retired Coach in Nashville Public Schools, passed away December 3, 2016. Ernie earned a Master's Degree, a Doctor of Sacred Music Degree, and was a teacher and athletic coach for Nashville Public Schools for many years. He was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of Observance Masonic Lodge, a former member of Elm Street Methodist Church, and Deacon for twenty years and Music Director for the same tenure at Faith Methodist Church. Ernie had a passion for the Shrine Burn and Crippled Children's Hospitals and actively worked to help in raising money each year for this worthy cause. He was respected, admired, and treasured by countless students, teachers, principals, and Church members. Ernie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease just a few months ago; this came as a shock to all who knew this wonderful and brilliant Christian man. Survived by his wife, Rita Cook Ryman; children, Tim Ryman, Tammy (Shayne) Vanns, and Michelle Bowers; sister, Elizabeth Harrison; 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Visitation at Faith Methodist Church, 419 Ezell Pike, Monday from 2-8pm with Masonic Services conducted at 7pm, and where funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11am by the Rev's. Charles Worrell, Tim Harden, Barry Kirby, and Richard Rogers. Honorary Pallbearers: Alumni of Howard High School, Deacons and Choir of Faith Church. Active Pallbearers: Glenn Hanna, Doug Mullican, Orry Vanns, Shayne Vanns, Bill England, Dale Knight, and Tim Caylor. Interment at Dickson Co. Memorial Gardens. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Shrine Childrens Hospitals, 1354 Brick Church Pk. Nashville, TN 37207. Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Rd. (615)262-3312.