Phillip Ray Ryan, Sr.

Phil Ryan August 10, 1945 – February 25, 2026

Phil Ryan, a highly decorated Texas Ranger, transformative three-term Wise County Sheriff, and respected leader in North Texas law enforcement, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026, at the age of 80, following a battle with heart disease and other health complications.

Born August 10, 1945, in Oklahoma and raised in the Houston area, Ryan began his lifelong commitment to public service at just 21 when he joined the Pasadena Police Department in 1966. Two years later, he entered the Texas Department of Public Safety as a highway patrolman, serving in Cleveland, Woodville, Bonham, and Decatur before being promoted to sergeant in Humble. In 1979, he was promoted to Texas Ranger and assigned to Wise County.

Stationed in Decatur for nine years, Ranger Ryan investigated major crimes across Wise, Jack, Montague, and Clay counties. He earned national recognition for his work in bringing justice to numerous killers. Ryan was known for his steady judgment and relentless pursuit of the truth.

During his career with the DPS, he was twice awarded the Purple Heart after being shot early in his career as a trooper and stabbed in the line of duty while serving as a ranger. His many honors included the Distinguished Honor Award from the North Texas Criminal Justice Association and the Distinguished Service Award from the Petroleum Industry Security Council. A lifelong student of his profession, he held certifications in forensic hypnosis, hostage negotiation, fingerprint identification, scientific interrogation, firearms instruction, narcotics officer survival, and numerous other specialized fields. Ryan was selected by his supervisors to attend the California Highway Patrol Academy motorcycle operations course to bring the training back to Texas.

After retiring from the Texas Rangers in 1989, Ryan answered the call to serve again. In 1992, he was elected Wise County Sheriff, taking office at a time when the agency faced public distrust and controversy. Campaigning on professionalism, accountability, and community trust, he rebuilt the department from the ground up and went on to serve three terms.

During his tenure, Ryan modernized the Sheriff’s Office by establishing a crime prevention division, launching the Wise Eyes program, implementing 24-hour patrol and dispatch, creating a jail industries program, forming a mounted patrol and color guard, developing an in-house vehicle maintenance operation, and introducing the department’s first computer network. More importantly, he built a culture rooted in integrity, service, and respect for the community — a standard that continues today.

Ryan was widely admired not only for his professional achievements but for his character. He was known as a man of integrity, quick wit, and quiet compassion who mentored countless officers and helped shape the future of law enforcement in Wise County and throughout North Texas.

He is survived by his children, Phil Ryan, Jr. and wife Malia, Ronda Ryan Schweiger and husband Chip, and Daryle Ryan and wife Amy; his stepdaughter, Courtney Hair and husband Larin; his sister, Karen Martinez; his grandchildren, Phillip III, Chelsea, Michael, Makenzie, Devin, Kristen, Thomas, Delisa, Jonathan, Nathan, Micah, Maddox, Gentry, and Dally as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Charlca, his brothers, Tommy, Jimmy, and Rex, and his sisters, Ruby, Alberta, and Mary.

A celebration of Phil Ryan’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Decatur.

Phil Ryan’s life was defined by courage, duty, and a steadfast belief that doing the right thing mattered. His legacy lives on in the officers he mentored, the agency he rebuilt, and the safer community he helped create.