Ryan was a native of Chincoteague, Virginia and lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was preceded in death by Willam C. Merritt, Jr. (Father), Sara Cherricks (Grandmother) Robert Sharpley (Grandfather) William Cleveland Merritt, Sr. (Grandfather) Norma Marshall Merritt (Grandmother), Charles Bowman Sr. (Stepdad) Ryan was the owner of Architectural Exterior Design, Inc. and he put his heart and soul into the creation of it to provide the best life he could for his family. Ryan was a member of the local surf community participating in surf competitions as well as volunteering his time to help the Virginia Long Board Federation for many years.
He loved surfing, scuba diving, and skiing and he traveled the world doing so. He was a Tampa Bay Lightning fan as well as a loyal Miami Dolphins fan.
Ryan was one of the most generous, kind, loving, caring, courageous, funny, sensitive, remarkable, amazing humans you could ever know. He was a best friend to everyone and had an impactful influence on more people than he could ever imagine. Ryan had a way with words, either making you laugh or speaking inspiration that made you feel good, often quoting from what he called “The Book of Life”. Ryan was one of a kind and loved dearly by his family and friends.
Survivors include the love of his life, wife Wendy Merritt, Martha Adams (Mother), Charles Bowman Jr. (brother) three daughters Devin Kane-Merritt (Ryan Nelson, husband) Megan Merritt, and Sierra Cotton), grandchildren, Finley Nelson, Madalyn Nelson, Laken Simmons, & Ivy Geyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 1, 10:00 a.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home.
Ryan was full of stories and the family is asking for guests to share their favorite story about Ryan with them at the reception.
In lieu of flowers: Please consider donating to Hope for Life Rescue or to Surfers Healing VB.
Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
