Ryan Allen

Ryan Allen, 22, of McGregor went to be with his savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at his home. A memorial service celebrating his life will be 11:30 Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr.

Ryan began his journey of life October 18, 1991, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was the eldest child of Bernis John and L'Tonya Marie Allen. Ryan was a 2009 graduate of Midway High School, where he was an active member of their basketball program. Pursuing higher education, Ryan enrolled in McLennan Community College and was scheduled to transfer to Texas A&M University Corpus Christi in January 2014 to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science.

At a very early age, Ryan developed a love for sports with golf being his first love. He transitioned from pee wee football to Tae Kwon Do becoming a qualifier in his age group for Junior Olympics in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While residing in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels became his favorite basketball team. Ryan's true passions were playing basketball, fishing and hunting with his family and friends.

Those who knew him well found Ryan to be very humorous, compassionate and wise. Ryan provided mature guidance filled with wisdom to his peers, family and friends. He was a confidant to so many of his companions and cousins. He carried himself in a quiet, dignified manner that was intriguing to his peers. One of Ryan's greatest characteristics was that he inspired his peers to think deeper about life. Ryan meticulously processed every aspect of life by listening, observing and then taking action. His non-traditional approach to life was evident in his walk with Christ.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents John and L’Tonya; his sisters Kaci and Alicia of McGregor, TX, and LaKiesha Hopkins, of Dyersburg, TN; his brother Bernis John Allen III of Oakboro, NC; Grandmother, C. Rosemary Major, Humble, TX; Uncles David Allen (Sheila), Oakboro, NC; Gene Allen (Angela), Charlotte, NC; Norris King (Rena), PA; Kalvin King (Glenda) Dallas, TX; Marcus Major (Lori), Taylor, TX; Steven Major, Fairbanks, AK. Great Aunt Cassie English, Las Vegas, NV; Aunts Carol Strong (Garrick), Cypress, TX; Evada King, Dallas, TX; Godmother Kaye Thomas, Temple, TX; Endearing friends Anthony James, Winston-Salem, NC and Austin Kreis, McGregor, TX as well as a host of cousins and friends. Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents Bernis John and Grace Lucille Allen, Locust, NC, Audry Williamson, Los Angeles, CA.

Celebration of Life

Tuesday November 5, 2013 , 11:30 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel