Ryan James Powers

Ryan James Powers, 27, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Born on May 13, 1990 in Danbury, CT; he was the cherished son of Jay Powers and Cynthia Franklin. Ryan graduated from Leesville High School and attended Wake Tech in Raleigh to pursue his goal of becoming a Master Electrician. He was active in extreme sports, hiking, diving on the Wood Valley Team, playing football, snow and wake boarding and playing soccer with CASL. Ryan also loved animals and enjoyed his dogs and volunteering at the animal sanctuary CCI, Inc. in Mebane.

Though Ryan could appear to be quiet at first glance once you got to know him he was compassionate, engaging and energetic. Ryan had a brilliant smile and infectious laugh. Ryan was quite the handyman and had many great ideas for inventions. You would always find Ryan taking things apart to see how they worked. Ryan struggled with mental illness for many years and always pushed to overcome the challenges he faced to live a better life.

Ryan is lovingly remembered by his parents: Jay (Carol) Powers, of Georgetown, TX and Cynthia (Clinton) Franklin, of Raleigh; by his sister: Sarah Powers, of Delray Beach, FL; step-brothers: Shaun Gerloff and Matthew Franklin; by his grandmother: Bettie Powers, of Delray Beach, FL; aunts and uncles: Maria Bielass, Michael Powers and Jill Powers; cousins: Jennifer, Cara, Noah, Gyllian, Matthew and Austin; and by other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jim Powers and Harold and Agnes Bielass; and by his uncle: Tom Powers.

Family will receive friends on Saturday evening, February 17th from 5-7 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Avenue). Funeral Services will be held on Sunday at 2 pm at Soapstone United Methodist Church (12837 Norwood Road).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Wake County – P.O. Box 12562 – Raleigh, NC 27605.