William H. “Bill” Ryan, 75, of Chisholm Street, Saluda died Wednesday, Feb. 20 in Elizabeth House, Hendersonville, N.C.

Born in Woodbury, N.J., he was the son of the late Anne Ayers Porter and William Henry Ryan.  A well known artist and art teacher, he began his study of art with his mother, an accomplished artist.  Bill graduated from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, V.A. and continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penn. While working in New York City, he continued his studies at several classes and workshops at the Arts Students League as well as with several local artists. Bill moved to Charleston, S.C. in l970 and taught art in the public school system.  While there he, along with four other teachers, created a guide to teaching art in the elementary school which is still being used as the basis for elementary art education in South Carolina. Bill came to Saluda in l981 where he concentrated on watercolor and oil landscapes of the area.  Locally he has taught art with the Tryon Painters and Sculptors, Isothermal Community College and Blue Ridge Community College.   He has received awards and commendations in several East Coast shows and his art hangs in collections throughout the United States. Bill was a partner in Ryan Boyle Antiques, Saluda, N.C. since l980.

Surviving are:  his partner of 40 years, James T. “Jim” Boyle of Saluda; a brother, Edward Porter Ryan (Barbara) of Wenonah, N.J. and a nephew, William H. Ryan (Eileen) of New Mexico.  Also surviving are a great-nephew and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in the Saluda Party and Event Center, Friendship Church Road, Saluda, N.C. from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Elizabeth House, Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.