Henry Michael Ryan passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 71. He is survived by his children, Mike, Neil, and Jennifer; his grandchildren, Samantha, Emily, Jonathan, Peyton, and Madison; his great-granddaughter, Brynlee; his brothers, Gaylon and John; and his sisters, Dale, Carrie, and Lori.
Mike was born in Maryland on January 19, 1955, to Hugh and Carrie Ryan. After graduating from Kecoughtan High School in 1973, he began his career in civil service at Cheatham Annex and retired in 2018 after 46 years of service. In addition to his professional work, over the
course of 20 years, he played lead guitar and fiddle and sang in local country bands, including Country Side, Ramblin Fever, and Macey Country.
In 1976, Mike married Victoria Griffey, and together they moved to Newport News. Their journey as a couple spanned 49 years, during which they raised three children and later helped care for their grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Throughout his life, Mike was a talented, self-taught musician who sang and played songs by many artists, including his favorite, Merle Haggard. Beyond music, he cherished spending time with his friends and family, watching sports, and playing country music.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, (Donations@kidney.org) in Mike’s name.