Born October 14, 1981, to Alyse Ann Gregory and Kenneth Wayne Elliott in Johnson City,
Tennessee. Kenneth Ryan Elliott, age 42, beloved son, brother, husband, and friend to many,
passed away September 30, 2024.

Admiring his father's service (and Air Force flight jacket), Ryan's aspirations were evident early
on; "parachuting" down to save the family dog from invisible forces, defending the farm's
chickens from harm, and heroically assisting his grandfather from insufferable daily tasks. He
was determined to reach his full potential and follow in his father's footsteps.

After graduating from Science Hill High School in 2000, Ryan enlisted in the United States
Marine Corps. Awarded the Certificate of Commendation, exemplifying the highest USMC
standards, he went on to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and
the Global War on Terrorism. Fulfilling his long-cherished ambition, Ryan earned his jump wings
and assumed the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, honorably completing his 14-year service in 2014.
As Ryan would say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine".

A machinist at heart, Ryan obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from
Seminole State College in 2018. Lending his talents to the Walt Disney World Company for just
shy of 20 years, he excelled within his trade, wishing everyone a "magical day" everywhere he
went. His intrepid spirit empowered him to explore the world, never encountering a stranger,
leaving a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to have known him.

Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, maternal great-grandparents, and
uncle James; and is survived by his parents Alyse, Ken, Carol, and Kirk, maternal grandmother
Theresa, wife Heidi, siblings Tiffany, Benjamin, Keith, Johnny, and James, several aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his beloved 2004 Jeep Wrangler.

Cherish his memory and be at peace, knowing that wherever you may be when Darius Rucker's
Wagon Wheel plays overhead, Ryan is with you, screaming "JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE" at
the top of his lungs.