Eltony Williams hails from the Southside of Chicago residing on 90th and Wallace. Eltony attended and graduated from Percy L Julian. At an early age he learned the construction business. Eltony proudly served in the United States Marine Corp and retired after 24 years of service. While in the military he started a small construction company, where he remodeled homes for friends and family. Once he
retired, he worked his Construction business full time. Eltony graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Management in Construction. He now resides in Atlanta Georgia with his wife, 3 daughters, 2 sons and grandchildren, 1 son living in California and 1 son being deceased. MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A RYDER RAM: Having the honor of meeting my fellow kindergarteners, now known as the Ryder Gents. Where we supported one another, teaching and learning from each other and maintaining a continued friendship to this day with mutual respect and admiration. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER GRADUATES: Choose your direction and move full speed ahead, with an open mind and understanding that the only failure is to not try and if you fall short, get up and try again. NAME: Lamont Virgil
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965 - 1974
Mr. Lamont Virgil grew up and lived on 89th Lowe Ave. and graduated from Ryder in 1974. After graduation, he attended high school at Chicago Vocational School (CVS). After high school, Mr. Virgil enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 22 years at bases in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. During his tenure in the Air Force, Mr. Virgil earned two Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Virgil worked for the US Government, retiring in 2019 as a Senior Level employee. Virgil completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from North Carolina Wesleyan College, a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources from Webster University. In addition, Mr. Virgil completed Professional Development Courses at Georgetown University and Harvard Business School. Virgil lives in Maryland, with his wife, adult son and daughter, and two grandsons. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS AS A RYDER RAM: 5th Grade Christmas Play. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER GRADUATES: There will be many doors of opportunity in life. Make sure you stay focused to recognize opportunities and well prepared to walk through the doors when the time comes! NAME: Stanley Pruitt
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965-1974
Stanley Pruitt grew up on 88th and Parnell as the youngest of five siblings, all of whom attended Ryder Elementary School. He went on to Lindblom Technical High School and earned a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At age 28, Mr. Pruitt became a landlord, beginning a lifelong journey in real estate and financial services. He worked for the CTA for 31 years, starting as a trainman and retiring as a Financial Analyst Coordinator. Along the way, he held both Real Estate and Appraisal licenses and also worked with H&R Block. Today, he is a Registered Representative for New York Life Insurance, helping individuals and families plan and secure their financial futures. Pruitt lives in Olympia Fields, Illinois, with his wife. They have four children—three daughters and one son—and three grandsons. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AS A RYDER RAM: Endless games of strike out, basketball, softball, and even ice skating on the Ryder playground in winter. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER GRADUATES: Invest in yourself. Learn two or more skills or trades so you have multiple streams of income. Start saving early. Buy land. And always, mind your peace
NAME: Derrick D. Dawkins
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965-1974
Mr. Derrick Dawkins grew up and lived on 89th and Parnell. Coming from a large family of seven brothers, four sisters and both parents, he learned to value family and the importance of cohesiveness. He was a natural athlete and became a member of the softball, basketball and tumbling teams. After graduating from Ryder in 1974, he attended Chicago Vocational High School. His major study at CVS was Electricity. His athleticism afforded him to be a part of the baseball and track and field teams. After graduating in1978 from CVS, he earned a Business Management certificate and a Commercial Driver's License. He worked for various companies. He started driving semi tractor trailers in 1987. In 2004 he became an owner operator, owning his own company. After driving for over 30 years, he retired from driving. He and his wife live in Glenwood, IL. They have seven children and 21 grandchildren. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AS A RYDER RAM: My most memorable moment at Ryder was meeting a gym teacher by the name of Mr. Jacob Cooper. He served as my mentor and role model. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER RAMS: Never reject the truth or knowledge. Doing what’s right ensures favorable results. Every action has consequences, whether good or bad. NAME: Robert L. Campbell
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965 – 1974
Robert L Campbell grew up and lived at 88th and Parnell for 20 years. He graduated from Ryder in 1974. Attended Neal F Simeon Vocational High School and graduated in 1978. Attended Southern Illinois University for three years and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp for six years. After leaving the Marine Corp, Robert mastered the trade of Carpenter. Robert went back into the military in 1982 as an Army Reservist until May 2010. Total military service 27 years and 7 days. In the same year Robert retired from his civilian job of Maintenance Director at Briar Wood Nursing Center. He has a wife and five daughters. Robert accomplishments are 5 business, published two books and received an associate degree in Photography. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS AS A RYDER RAM: Being in seventh grade and beating the eighth graders in a softball game. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER GRADUATES: Believe in God, then yourself and everything else will fall right into place. NAME: Jeffery Dillard
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965-1974
Jeffery Dillard grew up and lived on 87th and Parnell, graduating from William H. Ryder in 1974, number one in his class. Upon graduating from Ryder Jeff attended Lindblom Technical High School, where he graduated with honors in 1978. Jeff completed his undergraduate degree at Florida A&M University (1982) and received his Juris Doctorate degree from IIT – Kent College of Law in 1989. Jeff is married with 2 children and 2 grandchildren. All reside in Chicago. Upon graduating from law school, Jeff started his own firm, Dillard & Noel, which is still active today. Jeff is also a partner with the consulting firm of Dillard & King. Jeff has always had a passion for working with young people and is now the Chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at Olive-Harvey College where he is a tenured professor. Jeff has spent over 20 years as a film producer and writer/director. Jeff had the opportunity to be the Executive Producer of the full-length film “Lana’s Rain” which received 3 stars from Roger Ebert. He was the writer/director of the full-length documentary “Business As Usual: The Exploitation of Hip Hop” starring Kanye West, Run DMC and narrated by Mekhi Phiifer. Jeff also loves the “pen” and is a spoken word artist known professionally as “Janeff the Poet”. Janeff has several EP releases as well as a vinyl release and has done shows locally as well as outside of the state. MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A RYDER RAM: Delivering the valedictorian speech to my fellow Ryder Ram graduates. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATES: PERSISTANCE, PERSISTANCE, PERSISTANCE
NAME: Jerome Grossley
RYDER RAM YEARS: 1965 - 1974
Mr. Jerome Grossley grew up on 87th and Parnell Ave and graduated from Ryder in 1974. After graduation, he attended high school at John Marshall Harlan High School (Harlan). Grossley attended Triton Jr. College (River Grove, IL.); Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge, LA. He completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Accounting from Delaware State University (HBCU) Dover, DE. Grossley enlisted in the United States Air Force active duty / reserves where he serviced as an Aircraft Hydraulic Engineer for 24 yr. During his Air Force career, Mr. Grossley earned the Air Force Achievement Medal w/ 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Commendation Medal w/ 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Stars; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ 1 Silver & Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal w/ 1 Silver & Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. After his military career, Mr. Grossley worked for the United States Government as a Senior Accountant, retiring in 2022. He now lives in Maryland. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS AS A RYDER RAM: Our cherished community of pride, values and laughter. The playground/ field house and learning how to square dance. PERSONAL MESSAGE TO RYDER GRADUATES: You all are so valued and needed* Life is a journey of ups and downs. When you fall, get up, learn from it, believe in yourself, don't give up. Who can Do It* You can Do It** And, remember the light of the North Star!!!
