Ryan Christopher Halsey

A Life of Service, Adventure, and Heart: Remembering Ryan Halsey

Ryan Halsey, beloved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend, and friend, passed away peacefully in the care of Johnston Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with chronic illness. Though his time on this earth was far too short, Ryan lived every moment with purpose, kindness, laughter, and love. Known affectionately as “Sugarman” for his sweetness toward everyone he met, Ryan touched countless lives through his faith, music, service, and joyful spirit.

A Sweet and Spirited Childhood

Born on October 30, 1992, Ryan was full of energy, curiosity, and heart. He loved the outdoors and thrived in wide-open spaces—farming alongside his grandfathers, driving tractors, fishing, hunting, and riding dirt bikes across the hills of Southwest Virginia. Some of his happiest days were spent at home with his dad and brother, racing down backyard slip ’n slides on summer afternoons or playing airsoft battles with friends in the woods. A natural athlete, he played soccer, basketball, football, and baseball, and his gentle nature made him a friend to all.

A Teenager with an Old Soul

As Ryan grew older, his deep appreciation for tradition and his remarkable musical gifts became clear. He developed a lifelong passion for music, mastering the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and especially the fiddle, which he began playing at just seven years old. His dedication and talent opened doors for him to perform with musical legends such as Jeff Little, Wayne Henderson, Doc Watson, and Ralph Stanley. Ryan’s love for old-time, folk, and bluegrass music reflected both his heritage and his “old soul.”

Faith was always central in Ryan’s life. He served God through music in his church, where his fiddle and voice became instruments of worship and joy. Most recently, he was a member of Simple Rhythms Church, where he continued to connect with his church family. He was also an enthusiastic member of church-league softball, where his sense of humor and competitive streak made him a favorite among teammates.

Ryan was known for his adventurous and courageous spirit. Never one to back down from a challenge, he joined a local bull-riding circuit as a teenager—an experience that perfectly captured his fearless personality. That same drive for adventure led him to mountain climbing; after visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he dreamed of one day conquering Mount Everest. Whether on the back of a bull or standing at the foot of a mountain, Ryan faced life with courage, curiosity, and a zest for the unknown.

His interests extended far beyond music and adventure. Fascinated by history—particularly the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II—he was an active participant in several living history groups. A proud graduate of Abingdon High School’s Class of 2011, Ryan earned an advanced diploma, graduated magna cum laude, and was voted “Most Talented” by his classmates. He also played on the varsity baseball team, balancing academics, athletics, and the arts with ease.

A dedicated member of Boy Scout Troop 70, Ryan achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle project—a shelter built at Watauga Chapel—stood as a lasting symbol of his generosity and desire to serve others.

Dedication and Service as a Young Adult

Ryan carried his sense of purpose, leadership, and tenacity into adulthood. He began his career in the coal industry at just 19 years old while simultaneously attending college, ultimately graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health. Deeply proud of his Appalachian roots, Ryan found meaning and camaraderie working underground, where he developed a profound respect for the miners’ brotherhood and the region’s heritage. His commitment to safety and excellence earned him the position of Safety Manager—a role in which he thrived and continued to grow.

At the same time, Ryan’s heart for service shone through his volunteer work as a firefighter. Joining the Abingdon Fire Department as a young adult, he served his community with distinction and later became an Engineer. He went on to serve with the Green Springs Fire Department, where he was deeply respected for his dedication, reliability, and good humor.

A Calling to the Skies: Military Service

From a young age, Ryan dreamed of becoming a pilot—a goal he proudly achieved through his service in the United States Air Force. After completing training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, he graduated from Officer Candidate School in February 2019. He then continued training in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he accomplished one of his lifelong dreams: learning to fly the C-130 Hercules.

Stationed at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, West Virginia, Ryan served as a Captain in the 130th Airlift Wing. His duties took him across the world, flying combat support missions as part of the 779th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. He served in Kuwait, Syria, and Iraq, earning numerous honors, including the Air Medal, Inherent Resolve Medal, and the Expeditionary Global War on Terrorism Medal. Above all, Ryan took immense pride in serving his country while living his dream of flight.

A Man of Family, Faith, and Laughter

To know Ryan was to know laughter. Friends and family remember his quick wit, hilarious sense of humor, and the way he could fill any room with joy. He was an incredible storyteller with a remarkable memory — able to recall every detail, every voice, and every funny moment from the past. Ryan had a way of turning even ordinary experiences into unforgettable stories, leaving everyone around him smiling and laughing. His humor was uniquely his own—playful, clever, and full of heart—and he used it to lift others up, even in difficult times.

Family meant everything to him. He cherished time with his parents, Chris and Teresa; his brother, Reid; and his sister-in-law, Brooke. He adored being “Uncle Ryan” to his nephew and niece, Bridger and Peyton, and treasured every moment spent with them. His heart grew even fuller through his relationship with his girlfriend, Kelsey Riner, and her two children, who brought him immense happiness. Ryan was always a child at heart; that spirit of playfulness made him a constant source of happiness to those around him.

Ryan was a rare and generational talent—a man gifted in countless ways, confident, and kind. Whether playing his fiddle, fighting fires, flying planes, or sitting by a campfire with friends, he had an extraordinary way of bringing people together and making friends with anyone.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Tom and Connie Counts; paternal grandfather, Carson Halsey; and uncle, Thomas A. Counts II.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Chris and Teresa Halsey; brother and sister-in-law, Reid and Brooke Halsey; nephew and niece, Bridger and Peyton Halsey; grandmother, Linda Halsey; girlfriend, Kelsey Riner; aunts and uncles Tina Counts, Mike and Daphne Marcinek, Greg Halsey, Dale and Pam Truxell, and Mitch and Laurie Halsey; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.

Honoring a Life Well Lived

Visitation for Ryan will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Green Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, Virginia.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Green Spring Presbyterian Church with Pastor Craig Barber and Kim Gibson officiating.

Interment will follow at 2:00 P.M. going in procession to Forest Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Abingdon, Virginia.

Ryan’s pallbearers—Reid Halsey, Mike Marcinek, Mitch Halsey, Dakota White, Jason Dunn, Bill Nunley, Jordan Patrick, and Matt Gibson—represent only a small part of the community who loved him. Honorary members include John White, Ronnie Patrick, Don Adams, Major Jordan Cox, Green Springs Fire Department, The Green Springs Men Gospel Group, and the veterans of Simple Rhythms Church.

Ryan’s life was defined by courage, service, laughter, and love. Though his journey ended far too soon, his legacy lives on—in his family, his friends, his music, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness and faith. Ryan will forever be remembered as a devoted son, brother, boyfriend, uncle, friend, firefighter, miner, musician, airman, and hero. His laughter will echo in our memories, his songs will play on in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the blessing of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Ryan’s memory to consider a donation to Simple Rhythms Church. Donations can be made online through the Church’s website (agoodwaytolive.com) or by mail:

Simple Rhythms

PO BOX 16128

Bristol, VA 24209

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ryan Christopher Halsey.