Ryan graduated from Sumrall High School and spent the past five years working as a lineman, a career he deeply loved and took great pride in. To many, he was known as “Whitey” during his high school years and affectionately called “Boo-dro” by his lineman family.
Ryan was an avid rock collector and loved spending time on the water in the boat. When he wasn’t working, he could usually be found playing with his boys or cheering them on at baseball and football games and spending time with his family. He loved hunting, fishing, mud riding, planting flowers and gardens, and staying busy building, tinkering, and working through his honey-do list.
Ryan never met a stranger. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him in return. A gentle giant and everybody’s best friend, he was known for his kind heart, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the biggest, longest hugs. He would truly give the shirt off his back to help someone else.
Above all, Ryan loved and adored his family. He took pride in being a husband, dad, big brother and a Mama's boy. His presence, laughter, strength, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas "Tommy" Sistrunk; grandmother, Elsie "Dielie" Sistrunk and uncle, Billy "Bull" Sistrunk.
Left to forever cherish Ryan's memory, his loving wife, Karly Whitehurst; three sons, Krew (7), Kohen (4) and Kamp (1) Whitehurst; parents, Paul Whitehurst and Amy Sistrunk Whitehurst; two brothers, Austin Whitehurst (Laney) and Grayson Whitehurst (Jaleigh); one nephew, Waylon (4); one niece, Ellee (1); nine cousins, TJ Sistrunk (Amber), Joel Sistrunk (Vivian), Jasmine Sistrunk, Taylor Lindsey (Kyle), Zeal Sistrunk (Courtney), Nathaniel Sistrunk (Landee), Zachary Sistrunk (Courtney), Samuel Thompson (Penelope) and Carley Sistrunk; a host of extended family and friends and his favorite weiner, Maggie Mae.
Family and friends are invited to attend Ryan's evening visitation on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm. at Colonial Funeral Home, 323 2nd Street, Columbia, Mississippi. Ryan's funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 11:00 am at Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sistrunk Family Cemetery, 27 Hatten Road, Sumrall, Mississippi.
