Ryan Charles Wayson

It is with deep sadness that we announce Ryan’s passing. He departed this life on Monday, September 21, 2026, to a glorious new life with the Lord Jesus Christ. Ryan was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew him.

Born to the late Charles F. Wayson, Jr. and Connie M. Huffine, Ryan carried the spirit of his family with great pride. Mike Huffine, Ryan’s step-dad, joined our family later in Ryan’s life, bringing much joy and special friendship. Ryan is survived by his two sons, Cody and his wife Ali, John Paul and his girlfriend, Kariama Reavis, and his sister Shara Wayson and her fiancé, Andrew Wicker. Tracey Godsey Wayson is Ryan’s ex-wife and the mother of their children.

Ryan was blessed with the love and wisdom of his maternal grandparents, John and Gene Pehovic, for many years. His bond with his grandfather was particularly profound, exemplified by their collaboration in building a guest house on the family property, a testament to their shared love and dedication.

Ryan’s paternal grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Wayson, were the most senior members of Ryan’s life. They provided a household with fun and games around the kitchen table and taught Ryan the fine art of picking Maryland crabs.

Ryan’s Aunt Libby, (Elizabeth) Wayson Butterworth, and her husband Donald live in Glen Burnie, MD where fun visits took place with them and Ryan’s cousins, Dawn, Donald, and David. Lee Wayson, Ryan’s uncle, predeceased him.

Fortunately for many of our family, a 30-minute drive is as far as we must go to be together. Ryan’s large heart extended to his nieces, Tayler Howard and her husband Jesse, and Kaylee Hawthorne whose husband is Clay. Both nieces are Shara’s daughters. Since Connie, Ryan’s mother, is an only child, we are grateful to his grandmother Gene, for providing Ryan with Aunt Dorothy’s children as a fun gang of cousins living in Virginia’s Northern Neck, and Uncle John’s children, cousins in Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Ryan’s life was rich with joy and hard work. Throughout his career he held various positions and ultimately found fulfillment as a pipefitting designer for Colonial Webb Contractors, where his creativity and problem-solving skills came in handy.

In his youth, Ryan was a vibrant soul, passionately involved in a range of activities. He served as a young male character in a liturgical dance troupe and delighted audiences as a child actor in a local production of the musical Godspell. A gifted athlete, Ryan excelled in gymnastics, soccer, and baseball, showcasing his dedication and talent. His spirited involvement in the Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scouts further highlights his adventurous and community-oriented nature. Music was in Ryan’s DNA. He played cornet in the Henrico County Public School All-County Middle School Band, had an 18-piece drum set, and played the bass guitar.

In Ryan’s first year of life, he was baptized at Rockland UMC in Ellicott City, MD. As a teen, he made a profession of faith, joining Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. He attended Hermitage High School and J. Sargeant Community College.

Being a proud father, he loved having great conversations and spending time with his 2 sons. Ryan never met a stranger and enjoyed the art of conversation. No matter who he was with, the background music was often 80s rock. Growing up, it was a Sunday tradition for Ryan and his sons to gather around the TV watching NASCAR races while he told stories of Dale Earnhardt Sr., his favorite driver. On alternate Sundays, they would watch the Miami Dolphins’ games and listen to Ryan remind them, “No one would ever be as good as the Dolphins when they had Dan Marino!” Tradition aside, his sons were always there and were the biggest accomplishment about which he often bragged. Ryan routinely expressed how much he loved his sister, his mom, and his entire family. He deeply cared about them and was very proud of them.

Ryan’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and accomplishment. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Celebrating and remembering his life with family and friends will continue in remembrance of a remarkable man.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116, followed by a celebration of Ryan's life and a time to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Ryan’s memory.

But for you who revere my name, the Sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings, and you shall go forth like calves released from the stall leaping and frolicking for joy. Malachi 4:2