Ryan Thomas Summerlin, 42, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, at his apartment in Athens, Alabama. Ryan was born on December 2, 1983, at Old Providence Hospital, Mobile, Alabama to Wanda Spann Summerlin and James Thomas Summerlin.
Ryan grew up in Mobile, Alabama, attended Cottage Hill Baptist Church, and graduated from Baker High School in 2002. Ryan played saxophone in the band at Cottage Hill and Baker. He also played soccer at Baker. He later attended the University of South Alabama on a full scholarship.
Although he did not graduate, he built a successful career as a CNC machine programmer. Throughout his career, Ryan was known for finding practical solutions. After Steelcase sent him to Canada to learn how to repair a machine that still would not work, Ryan solved the problem manually. He continued to excel professionally, most recently working for NUCOR in Athens, Alabama.
Ryan was a born-again Christian and was baptized at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. He encouraged Emilie, Noah, and Adalyn to follow Christ also. He was a devoted husband, parent, and enjoyed time spent with his children Emilie Raley (8-11-2004 to 11-7-2015 - a heart transplant patient), Noah 05-08-09 and Adalyn 11-21-2017 his brother Aaron James Summerlin and nephew Gavin James Summerlin.
Ryan enjoyed teaching the guitar to his son and friends, played Saxophone at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, and starting ninth grade at Baker High School, also fishing, biking, cooking, and swimming.
Friends and family remember him being smart, tender-hearted, generous, and loving.
Ryan is survived by his son Noah Thomas Summerlin 17, his daughter Adalyn Faith Summerlin 8 (their Mother Rachel Summerlin Warren); Mother Wanda S. (Austin) Clark, Father James T. (Judy) Summerlin III.
Ryan was preceded in death by Grandfather James T. (Ruby) Summerlin II. Grandparents Frank Spann and Lavonia Thornton Spann, Numerous Aunts and Uncles.
A visitation for Ryan will be Friday, September 4, 2026, from 12pm until 1pm at Radney Funeral Home 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606 followed by the funeral service at 1pm with Chuck Whisonant officiating. A private committal service will take place at Pine Crest West.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Give Kids the World. Give Kids the World is an eighty-nine-acre nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses like Emilie.
Donate to https://www.gktw.org/donate or your favorite charity.
