Ryan Maxwell Smith

He was born May 27, 1994 in Charleston, WV and resided in Saint Petersburg, FL. He is survived by his mother, Christina Brown of Saint Petersburg, FL; his father James Maxwell Smith (Chet) of Charleston, WV; Grandmothers Doris George of Saint Petersburg and Ann Negstad of Newark, DE; brother Owen Brown; sister Emma Brown; aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended family at the city of St. Petersburg Therapeutic Recreation Center.

Ryan was cherished by many: his family, therapy family, and friends. Yet, we may never fully understand the extent of the lives he touched as he wandered through the city by bus and on foot. Even during the pandemic, he was eager to work and do his part in making the world a better place. Ryan was a goodwill ambassador to St. Petersburg and an unsung hero.

Despite living with the challenges of autism, Ryan radiated with the light we all share. Being Ryan, his light was bigger and brighter than most. Its brilliance cut through the haze he lived in, illuminating the joy, goodness, and all that is right in the world which he viewed with infinite childlike enthusiasm. His light also served as a beacon, inviting everyone to learn, understand, and be his friend. Those who stood in its glow and felt its warmth became wiser, developing a more profound capacity for humility, caring, empathy, and love. Their own light became brighter, and now the world will continue to shine with greater intensity and more vivid colors because he lived.

Be like Ryan: live, love, work, play, learn, teach, and most importantly, share your light with his unceasing passion. Ryman will be missed, but may his memory be a blessing and his legacy continue to shine.

Burial services will be held at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes, WV, April 24th, at 11 AM.