Ryan Smith

Thomas Ryan Smith, Lower Paxton Township, known to his loved ones as “Ryan”, age 36, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Osteopathic Hospital.

Born June 30, 1987 in Mobile, Alabama, he was the son of the late Thomas Henry and Sherri (Hardy) Smith and was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Shirley Ann Kiger and Billy Wayne Hardy; his paternal grandparents: Maureen and Henry Smith; his uncle:  Wesley Weninegar, his cousin: Amanda Nicole Brazeal; and his faithful companion of 18 years: Lou-dog.
 
Ryan's journey was one marked by creativity and passion. He obtained his Bachelors of Journalism from the University of Miami and in 2020, he shared with the world his first literary creation, "Tales of the Immortal."  A dedicated writer, Ryan was diligently working on the sequel as part of a planned series of nine books.
 
He worked as a glass blower years ago, and received certification as a glass maker. He went on to become general manager at Little Caesars Pizza in Lucedale, Mississippi and at his passing was the manager at Taco Bell on Jonestown Road, Harrisburg.
 
On February 22, 2022, Ryan embraced a new chapter as he exchanged vows with the love of his life, Melody C. Devoid. Together they embarked on a journey to Harrisburg in pursuit of family closeness.
 
Among his joys in life were engaging in online sports games – especially golf, baseball, and football – along with actively partaking in golf sessions and fervently supporting teams like the Yankees and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. An individual with an old-fashioned soul, Ryan found solace in classic rock tunes amidst a world enriched by cherished moments shared with family and friends.  Quite the movie buff, he could often be counted on for remembering quotes and references to many films.

Patient and easy-going, he had a great sense of humor, making up Dad jokes and making others smile. Ryan was a hard worker, and everything he did out of his devotion to his beloved family.
 
Surviving is his wife: Melody Smith; his children: Madison J. Prentiss, at home, Harley Prentiss, Mississippi, Deziree Brewer (and her husband, Adam), Richton, Mississippi, Robert Prentiss (and his wife, Harley), Lucedale, Mississippi, and Ambreona Desalvo, Mississippi; grandchildren: Carson Brewer, Alesana Brewer, RJ Prentiss, Russell Prentiss, and the soon-to-arrive Rylee Prentiss; 2 brothers: Christopher Smith (and his wife, Randi), Mobile, Alabama and Trey Pearce, Mobile, Alabama; his sister in law and her husband (and his best friends): Stephanie and Anthony Clouser; nieces and nephews: Jasmine Pearce and her family, Samantha Smith and her family, Thomas Zachary Smith, Zackary McGowan, and Magdalene Williams; many, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom will miss him greatly.
 
A memorial service will be held 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Valley Baptist Church, 1190 N. Union Street, Middletown with Pastor Chris Schlensker, officiating.  Friends will be received at the church from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.
 
Donations may be made to the funeral home to offset expenses through the link below or mailing directly to the funeral home.
 
May Ryan's legacy shine bright in our hearts as we remember a soul who touched many with his kindness and devotion to those he held dear.