Obituary: Ryan Daniel Smith, 26; Meriden Native

From John J Ferry and Sons Funeral Home

Ryan Daniel Smith, 26, born on July 20, 1991, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017 due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Oxford, Mississippi. He is survived by his parents Daniel Smith of Meriden and Cheryl (King) Smith of Meriden, and a sister Heather Smith, of Asheville, North Carolina. He was pre-deceased by paternal grandparents Nelson B. and Dorothy (Coursey) Smith and maternal grandparents Ralph and Eleanor (O’Connor) King.

Ryan graduated from O.H. Platt High School in 2009 and was a varsity wrestler. From a young age, Ryan was influenced by his father’s wrestling career and carried that passion throughout his early years involving himself with Meriden Youth Wrestling all the way through high school. His dedication and eagerness to learn was inspiring.

Recently, Ryan relocated to Oxford, Mississippi to better his life. During his time there, he became an inspiration to all those he met and was the truest example of a ‘success story’. Ryan's kind heart and gentle spirit touched the lives of all those he met. His smile and positive outlook on life was contagious.

Ryan’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Ryan was the light of our lives

We ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or take a walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day. Life waits for no one.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Meriden Youth Wrestling Club, 169 Dexter Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit John J Ferry and Sons Funeral Home here.