"Buddy" William Lewis Ryder, Jr.

Buddy (William Lewis) Ryder, Jr. was born on September 23, 1948, in Alexandria, Louisiana and died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Bud’s life was colorful, vivacious, challenging, and he had a great many loves. He dearly loved his family and was the oldest son in a family of nine children. In that leadership position, he kept us laughing and goaded all the younger siblings throughout his long life. He brought so much joy to so many through the years.

Buddy’s extensive education began in Alexandria, Louisiana, at St. Frances Cabrini Elementary School through a part of his high school years at Brame High School until the family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the entire Ryder clan was fondly referred to as “The Beverly Hillbillies”! There, Bud then completed his high school years at Harriton High School. Some years later, the family moved to the Dunwoody area of Atlanta, Georgia. At that time, Bud ventured into the start of his higher education endeavors. He completed his undergraduate collegiate studies at West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia, with degrees in both business and French. While he was there, Bud was President of his Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and was lovingly known as “CC” by his frat brothers who have remained lifelong friends and gathered frequently to celebrate their brotherhood.

Buddy subsequently began his varieties of business undertakings and, some years later, after the family again had relocated to their home state of Louisiana, he reunited with the big brood to work alongside his father in a diverse and versatile business career. Buddy enhanced this career by furthering his educational aspirations in pursuit of an English doctorate at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He eventually moved to California’s Los Angeles area, where, as a College of the Canyons adjunct professor for many years until his retirement, he taught English, rhetoric, philosophy, and composition. Retirement allowed Bud to come back to his Louisiana home to enjoy his remaining years among family. 

Buddy was very talented and thoroughly enjoyed using his creative abilities throughout his lifetime in theater performance, singing, writing challenging poetry and probative prose. These gifts eventually contributed to his teaching success in various educational institutions in both Louisiana and California. 

Buddy is predeceased by his paternal great grandparents, Thomas Jefferson Ryder and Ellen Nora Price Ryder; his maternal great grandparents, John Schwartzenberg Fant and Alix Babin Fant; his paternal grandparents, William Lonzo Ryder and Janie Wilbanks Ryder; his stepmother, Page 1 of 2: William Lewis Ryder, Jr. Obituary Blanche Ryder; his maternal grandparents, Ivy B. and Brenta Mae Palfrey Fant; his father, Dr. William Lewis Ryder; his mother, Lelia Marie Fant Ryder; his brother-in-law William Andrew “Andy” Brightwell; his favorite brother-in-law Leonard “Lenny” Victor Griffiths, III; his younger brother, Dr. Garrett B. Ryder; multitudes of beloved aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles. 

He is survived by his siblings Patricia Annette Ryder, Janis Hope Ryder Bosely and husband Howard, Cheryl Ryder Brightwell, Brenda Ryder, Robert Ryder and wife Stephanie, Alycia Ryder Griffiths (his favorite), sister-in-law Angela Anderson Ryder, Darryl K. Ryder; and many precious uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The family will have a private celebration of Buddy’s life at a later date and a venue of his delight!

The family would like to thank all the family members who lived in the area and who availed themselves to care for him during his last few years of illness (and other shenanigans), especially his sister Brenda with whom he shared a home; his numerous Willis-Knighton Musculoskeletal/Flex Institute doctors and particularly Dr. Timothy Nicholls and the Willis Knighton North Hospital’s loving, supportive and compassionate staff for which words cannot express.