Obituary of John Ray Cryer

CW5 (R) John Ray Cryer (United States Army, Retired), age 67, of Ozark, died early Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Southeast Alabama Medical Center. A memorial service for John will be held 5:00 P. M. Friday, July 29, 2016, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home and Cremations in Ozark with Reverend Ferrell Boyd officiating. Full Military Honors will be rendered following the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark one hour prior to the service. CW5 Cryer was born September 1, 1948 in Joliet, Illinois to the late John Eugene Cryer and Shirley Lucille Kennedy Cryer. He served as a pilot in the United States Army until his retirement in 1997. John, also known as Jack to family and close friends, was referred to by his wife Liz as, “Jack the Jaws!” John was a brother, a father, an uncle, and a friend to many. John served as an aviator, a procrastinator, a carpenter, an electrician, a plumber, a mechanic, a Cub Scout leader, a mentor, a teacher, a leader, a friend; a Jack of all Trades! He accomplished any task because he could do anything! He also served as a loving husband of more than 47 years and a father for 46 of those years. He dedicated his life to the U.S. Army and his family while taking care of numerous others in the process. John met no stranger and assisted those in need. In the end, Dad loved everyone and took care of those around him. Survivors include his wife, B. Elizabeth Schuenemann Cryer of Ozark; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Shawn and Wanda Cryer of Ozark, Eric Cryer of Ozark, Ryan and Kimberly Cryer U. S. Army active duty serving in Germany; one sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Wayne Huey of Arizona; one brother, Robert Cryer of Illinois; two grandchildren, Caroline Cryer and Fletcher Cryer. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family requests the omission of flowers. John would appreciate you help those in need. Service Information