National Sojourners®

"When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen."

LTC William Joseph Ryland, USA (PNP 1999-2000, LoH)

Sep 11, 2020

30 January 1937 – 11 September 2020
Past National President, Legion of Honor, Emeritus

Brother Joe Ryland passed to the Celestial Chapter above on September 11, 2020. Born January 30, 1937 in Selma, AL, he was 83 years old. LTC Ryland served in the US Army from 1960 to 1988. He was commissioned in 1960 through the Armored School, 2nd Armored Cav, 5th Infantry Div. in Vietnam.

He joined Masonry in Fountain Lodge No. 191 in 1965 and was Master of Rosemead Lodge No. 457 in 2000. He served as Grand Junior Deacon in the Grand Lodge of California in 2009 to 2010. He joined the Scottish Rite in 1968 and then received the Royal Order of Scotland Degree in 1999 and his 33rd degree in 2005. He joined the York Rite in 1988, joined the Inland Empire Conclave Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2002, served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of California in 2007. He was also a member of several other Masonic Organizations.

Brother Joe joined National Sojourners in Ft. Riley Chapter #321 on March 11, 1970 and became a Hero in Rimrock Camp on September 12, 1970. He served as chapter secretary for Ft. Riley Chapter #321 from 1971 to 1973 and was the Chapter Secretary for Pasadena Chapter #265 in 2004 to 2018 and was also the Adjutant to both camps. He received the National Secretary of the year award in 1973 and 2001 (the only Sojourner to receive it twice). He served as Chairman on the National Membership Committee from 1973 to 1976 and was a member of the Committee from 1991 to 1996. He was a member of the National Americanism Committee from 1981 to 1983 and the Chairman of the National Education & Training Committee from 1993 to 1996. He was selected as a charter member of the Order of Barrow Wheelers in 1974 and served as its Chairman for several years. He was elected to NASOCOCO from 1993 to 1996, the Committee of 33 from 1994 to 1996, the National Trustees from 2003 to 2010 and Honor Awards Committee. Brother Joe served as National President from 1999 to 2000. He was elected to receive the Legion of Honor in 2013. He continued to be active on both the Chapter and National level until he was no longer able to do so. Donations in his memory can be made to the SEM Fund, 7942 R Cluny Court, Springfield, VA 22153.

You may send cards and letters to the Ryland family: The Ryland Family 2956 E. Del Mar Blvd, Apt. 228 Pasadena, CA 91107-4385

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