Ryan Michael Ray, 41, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on October 22nd, 2026.
Ryan was born on December 19th, 1984 to Richard and Cynthia Ray in Atlanta, Georgia. He spent most of his early years in Cary, NC and Rock Hill, SC before moving in 2003 to attend the College of Charleston. Though he eventually found his way back to Charleston, he was a true American nomad, traveling across the country sporadically and residing in Asheville, Las Vegas, and Reading, California for varying lengths of time.
Ryan was a voracious reader, an avid hiker, and a lover of comedy. A hilarious person himself, he had a unique sense of humor that endeared him to friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers alike. Those that knew Ryan well knew him as a man with particular tastes, strong opinions, but most of all, as a kind, smart, and funny person that you just want to spend time with.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Cynthia; his father, Richard; his brothers, Dylan and Kevin, and his partner, Amy Heinsohn, who will all miss him dearly and hold him fondly in their hearts and memories.
A visitation will be held at 1:30 pm followed by a 3:00 pm memorial service at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 on November 1st, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ryan’s name to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at https://appalachiantrail.org/.