
Ryan Johnathan Payne
2002 - June 2, 2021
“His great sense of humor, infectious laugh, and mischievous grin was loved by all who knew him.”
Remembering Ryan
Ryan Johnathan Payne passed away on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 at the age of 18. Ryan was a fun-loving and selfless person who enjoyed playing basketball, writing music, playing disc golf, and spending time with his friends and family. His great sense of humor, infectious laugh, and mischievous grin was loved by all who knew him. He will forever be remembered for his genuine care and compassion for others.
Ryan was a graduate of Alpharetta High School's class of 2021. He loved spending his summers as a counselor at Camp Thunderbird outside of Charlotte, NC where he had the opportunities to mentor children and to provide them the encouragement and support that they may have lacked outside of camp. Growing up, he loved spending time on the lake swimming, tubing, and wake boarding. His true passion was basketball - be it playing on a school team or pickup games with his friends, he always loved being on the court and was quite gifted at the art of smack talk.
Cherished Memories
Explore our collection of photos celebrating Ryan's life, adventures, and the love he shared with family and friends.
View Photo GalleryWhat Ryan Loved
The hobbies and passions that brought joy to Ryan's life
Basketball
His true passion - whether on a school team or pickup games, Ryan loved being on the court
Music
An artist at heart, Ryan created and shared music that expressed his soul
Disc Golf
Finding peace and fun on the disc golf course with friends
Water Sports
Swimming, tubing, and wakeboarding - Ryan loved every moment on the lake
Camp Counselor
Mentoring children at Camp Thunderbird, providing encouragement and support
Time with Loved Ones
Nothing meant more to Ryan than spending time with his friends and family
Ryan's Music
Ryan was an artist with a passion for creating music. Explore his album and playlists on Spotify to discover the music he was interested in making and listening to.

Ryan's Family
The loving family who cherished Ryan and continue to honor his memory

Parents
Shannon
Jennifer
Brother
Brendan
Grandparents
James Walsh
Virginia Payne
Mary Jane Walsh(In loving memory)
John Payne(In loving memory)
Extended Family
Jackie Young
aunt
Jay Young
uncle
Madison Young
cousin
Nick Young
cousin
Education
Alpharetta High School
Class of 2021
Camp Thunderbird
Camp Thunderbird
Charlotte, NC
Counselor
Forever in Our Hearts
Ryan's spirit lives on through the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. His memory inspires us to be kinder, to reach out to those struggling, and to cherish every moment with the people we love.
“Let your light shine...”
Like a lantern released into the night sky, Ryan's light continues to rise and inspire.