Lee H Ryder

Lee Ryder, of Franklin, TN, peacefully passed away on October 29, 2011.

He was born on July 5, 1937 in Matamoras, PA to the late Herbert and Mildred Ryder. Lee was a 1955 graduate of Port Jervis High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Lawrence University and his MBA from New York University.
Lee began his career at Citibank in New York City before returning to Matamoras to carry on the family business as President of J.O. Ryder Rendering Company alongside his late cousin, Kent Ryder.

Lee was an avid skier and resided for a period of time in Taos, NM. He was also an accomplished cyclist and cycled the entire Lewis and Clark Trail from St. Louis, MO to the Oregon Coast. Additionally, Lee was a car enthusiast which inspired him to race Formula Fords on the Northeast Racing Circuit.

Lee Ryder is survived by his wife, Elaine and son, Casey of Franklin, TN; his daughter, Karen and her husband, Jack Warrington of Denver, CO; his daughter, Amy and her husband Christopher Kranick of Nolensville, TN; his son Lee Ryder, Jr. and his wife Kristin of Denver, CO; his brother, Robert Ryder and his wife Carolyn of Lady Lake, FL; his sister, Linda and her husband, Ralph Cowell of Milford, PA; as well as his five grandchildren: Cooper Warrington, Emily and Natalie Kranick, and Burke and Teo Ryder.

Visitation will be at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens located at 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin TN 37064 on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 5:00-7:00pm.
Funeral Service will be at Franklin First United Methodist Church located at 143 Fifth Avenue, South Franklin, TN 37064 on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 1:00pm.

Donations may be made to:
The Vanderbilt Hematology/Oncology Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
3927 The Vanderbilt Clinic
1301 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232

8/15/11

My last post really says it all. I am living a fairly pleasant lifestyle determined by the Leukemia treatment necessary. We will keep doing what we are doing as long as it works. Elaine never ceases to amaze me with her devotion and care.
Lee

7/15/11

It has been a month since last posting. Sorry. I have been busy adjusting to a lifestyle controlled and determined by my illness. The good news is that I do not feel sick. Even the chemo is not so bad. The new lifestyle is one of semi isolation - no public involvement. We spend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the hospital on blood tests and any necessary transfusion. Once a month I will do three days of chemo in the hospital. Generally my spirits are good.

Elaine continues to carry the ball like a champ.
Thanks for all your support.
Lee

6/15/11

I am back in the hospital. It seems that the Leukemia causes temperature problems that can be confused with infection. With low white blood count, infection is very serious and I must get to the hospital with any temperature increase. Just another complication but I remain in good spirits. Had the nurses in stitches today. Elaine,Casey and the older children bring me great joy every day.
Lee

1/4/11

Elaine,the children, and I have decided on the treatment option that gives the best chance of quality life for the longest period of time. No guarantees but I am up for it.

Today I started a new three day round of chemo at Vanderbilt and expect to be home by Tuesday. Lee Jr. was here last week and Karen is commig tomorrow.
Lee

6/1/11

It has been over a week since I posted an entry. Much has happened. At the moment I am enjoying an unscheduled stay in the ER at Vanderbilt due to an infection. Last week we were at MD Anderson Cancer Research Hospital in Houston. We talked about stem cell transplant and clinical trials. Unfortunately my Leukemia is the most difficult which diminishes the success of any remedy. We are back in Nashville exploring options here. We must make a treatment decision soon because the cancer showed up in my blood again.
Love and thanks to all.
I am determined to keep smiling every day.
Lee

5/24/11

Off to MD Anderson in Houston tomorrow to investigate stem cell transplant.
Wish me luck.
Lee