Ryan’s life began on November 10, 1981 in Jacksonville, where he grew up in the Arlington area. He came into the world a spark plug and lived life on his terms until the end. His fierce independence and yearning for action and adventure earned him the nickname “Mutt” early on. As a very young boy, Ryan learned to walk, talk, swim and break dance long before he had any business doing so—and he loved nothing more than to entertain a crowd of amazed spectators. At two years old, his practice of jumping off the high dive into the deep end of the community pool gave many onlooking mothers near-heart attacks back in the day (much to the embarrassment of his own mother, whose efforts to contain Ryan to the “kiddie” pool were futile).
He was a talented guitarist who loved music, movies, fishing and watching the Jaguars and Gators play football. He had a passion for culinary arts and was a “Rock Star” in the kitchen at many of the area’s most popular restaurants. If you’ve eaten out in North Florida over the last 20 years, there’s a good chance Ryan cooked for you.
He is survived by his loving parents Herbert and Rhonda; his brothers, Jeffrey (Samantha) and Gregory (Laura); his grandmother, Beatrice; his nieces and nephew, Annabella, Charlotte and Henry; and many other family and friends.
Although he left this world far too soon and will be greatly missed, please take comfort in knowing that Ryan is now at peace with the Lord. As he walked through Heaven’s Gate, his late grandfather, Papa, rejoiced “Awe look, it’s Mutt Butt!”
A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, August 6, at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, FL.
