Mr. Jonathan Eric Ryan, age 49 of Stockbridge passed away September 13, 2022. Mr. Ryan was preceded in death by his parents: John and Mary (Clemons) Ryan. Surviving are his wife: Rebecca Ryan, mother-in-law and father-in-law: Deborah and Jerry Wasson, sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Jessica and Gustavo Soussumi, cousins: Timothy and Tiffany, close family friends: Sandra Bass and her children Pamela and Gregory, and many extended family members and friends.
Eric's parents welcomed him into this world in Fairfield, California on December 27, 1972.  He moved with his family to the Washington, D.C. area for a brief time, and then Eric and his mother, Mary, settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where Eric grew up.
Eric attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, where he pledged membership to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1995, and went on to obtain his Gerontology Certificate from Georgia State University in 1997.  His career in aging services with the state of Georgia began in 1998, where he provided Medicare counseling to Georgia families, and in 2004 Eric joined the Georgia Council on Aging, working as the Communications Specialist and providing support on all levels of the Council's mission and advocacy efforts across the state.
Known for his bright smile, genuine love for others, quick wit, generous hugs, willingness to help, caring attitude, words of encouragement, fierce loyalty, and big heart full of compassion and understanding, Eric never encountered a stranger - to him, every person was a friend he had not yet met. Eric was an active member of Spread the Word Christian Ministries in College Park for many years. When COVID-19 hit the world in 2020, the Lord orchestrated a conversation between Eric and Rebecca online, and a beautiful relationship grew out of their connection. In March 2022, Eric asked Rebecca to be his wife, and they married in June.  Eric transferred his church membership to First Baptist Jonesboro after they wed, and while they were only together for a brief time, the amount of joy that Eric brought to Rebecca's life and that of their family is immeasurable and has left a permanent mark - Eric's heart for serving the Lord by serving and caring for others was evidenced by every action he took, and we hope to carry on his legacy by living in the same manner in the time that we have left here on earth.  While we are required to miss Eric's earthly presence for now, we know that he is now Home with the Lord, singing His praises and dancing in His presence, and we will be able to see Eric again when the Lord takes us Home as well.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Chapel of First Baptist Church Jonesboro, 142 College Street, Jonesboro GA, 30236. The family will receive friends 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., prior to the service. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700 www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com

Memorial Service for Eric Ryan on Livestream