Ryan Louis Mura, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Ryan Louis Mura, Sr. announce his passing on July 31, 2022, at the age of 91. He died peacefully at home, after a brief battle with pneumonia, surrounded by his family.

Ryan was born on August 27, 1930, in Augusta, Georgia to James W. Mura and Catherine Fix Mura. He attended Boys' Catholic High School and played baseball, built model airplanes, and had a part-time summer job as clerk and stock boy.

In 1948, Ryan enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Princeton Aircraft Carrier as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate during the Korean War and received several commendations for Meritorious Service. Throughout his later years, Ryan would continue to speak about his military service with great passion. He often remarked that if he were not too old, he would "re-enlist tomorrow."

On April 24, 1954, he married Joan Louise Sullivan of Augusta whom he had known since high school. Eventually they moved to Athens where Joan worked as a nurse at St. Mary's hospital and Ryan attended UGA earning a BBA and an MBA. In 1962, they moved to North Augusta, SC to be near family while Ryan worked at Columbia Nitrogen. Several years later, the growing family moved to the Atlanta area, where Ryan worked as a senior consultant and executive recruiter. Later he would often joke about his first day commuting downtown. Upon returning home that evening he exclaimed, "Joan, the traffic here is just awful!” Remember, he was complaining about Atlanta traffic in 1968!

In 1975, Ryan obtained employment in Metairie, Louisiana, with the U.S. Department of Energy and moved to a small efficiency apartment near New Orleans. He would often drive the long trip to Atlanta to see his family. Even though the “temporary” transfer became a long-term assignment, he and Joan decided not to uproot the family. After retirement in 1991, Ryan became interested in local politics where he regularly attended the Jim Tysinger Breakfast forum, often serving as moderator. Ryan also served on the Board of the Salvation Army and on the DeKalb County Board of Elections.

Ryan’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He will always be remembered as a dedicated, loving, and supportive husband, father, and friend. 

He is survived by his wife, Joan Sullivan Mura, children; Ryan Louis Mura, Jr. (Susan), Helene Mura Kirkman, Phillip O. Mura (Veronica) and grandchildren; Catherine Wilkinson (John), Ryan L. Mura III (Hannah), Ephraim Mura, Saxil Mura; Sister Mary Mura Gill ; Sister-in-Law Parivash Mura; Brother-in-Law James Harold Sullivan, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. Ryan was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jimmy Mura and Aubin Mura. Special thanks to Caregiver Janice Gibson of Lilburn, Georgia for the care and compassion she showed Ryan in his final hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 720 Telfair St. in Augusta, GA. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery with Fr. Jacob Almeter as celebrant.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. act.alz.org