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Celebrating the life of

Ryan Sailors

March 14, 1997 - March 30, 2019

With God Running Free

Ryan Sailors

William "Ryan" Sailors, 22 years old, died peacefully March 30, 2019,  at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA, surrounded by his family.

Ryan was born March 14, 1997 in Atlanta, GA. He and his family later moved to St. Marys, GA and then to Savannah. He completed his education at Islands High School on Whitemarsh Island, GA. Ryan was a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his parents, Michael A. Sailors, Sr. and Jan Gaston Sailors; his brother, Michael A. Sailors, Jr., his grandmother, Carolyn W. Sailors; his aunts, Nancy Gaston Perkins (Ed) of Venice, CA, Susan Gaston Hobbs of Athens, GA, and Yvonne Gaston Hartzler (Ray) of Wilmington Island, GA; his uncles, David Gaston (Julie) of Cropwell, AL, Jeff Gaston (Moira) of Cumming, GA, George Gaston (Bari) of Stone Mountain, GA, Keith Gaston of Cumming, GA, John Gaston (Jan) of Lilburn, GA, and Thomas A Sailors, III (Jennifer) of St Marys, GA; and so many dear and special cousins.

Ryan was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, William Joseph Gaston, Sr. and Nancy Jeanne Surrency Gaston of Dahlonega, GA; his paternal grandfather, Thomas Alfred Sailors, Jr.; his maternal uncle, William Joseph Gaston, Jr.; and his maternal aunt, Margaret Elaine Gaston.

Ryan was very social and never met a stranger. He always acknowledged everyone he crossed paths with, and loved being acknowledged in return. He was infectiously happy and positive and was famous for his trademark "Thumbs Up". He loved going to church and was quick to clasp his hands to pray whenever he heard of anyone sick or hurting. He adored his brother Michael, and was his biggest fan and cheerleader at Michael's baseball games. He loved riding the "backroads" with his dad or brother, where his Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Ray would yell and wave flashlights from their balcony when they passed. Favorite activities were trips to the beach for Skittles, Sprite and Pringles, and supervising the daily tasks of vacuuming and cleaning. His last several months, Ryan was blessed with his wonderful nurses, Tammy and Seneca, who were an immeasurable help to Jan, and he loved their weekly trips to take Ryan to the mall and out to lunch.

It's impossible to think of Ryan without thinking of his mother, Jan, and vice versa. Jan's love for and devotion to Ryan were immediately obvious to everyone. Jan has been an amazing advocate for Ryan every day of his life. When Ryan was a small child, his parents were told that his life expectancy would only be to adolescence. Jan's unfailing insistence that Ryan always have the best medical care and the best life imaginable for someone with his special needs enabled Ryan to grow into adulthood as a joyful, affectionate and passionate young man. The love that Jan, Mike, and Michael poured into Ryan was a beautiful gift to all who are blessed to know this precious family.

Pallbearers will be David Gaston, Jeffrey Gaston, John Gaston, George Gaston, Sam Gaston, Jeffery Harrelson, and Tommy Sailors.

The family suggests any remembrances be made in Ryan's memory to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or the American Heart Association, 10 Glenlake Pkwy, NE South Tower, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30328.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Ryan, It has been three and a half months since you gained your angel wings...I miss your laugh, your smile and your hugs. Michael and I miss you and your dad every. single. solitary. day. Our lives were so intertwined that it is just so hard without you. I know you are running the show in Heaven and that makes me smile. love and miss you every day my sweet baby.

- Ma, Savannah, ga

To the Family of Ryan, Sorry for your loss of your son Ryan,The Bible speaks of a time in the future when those in the memorial tombs,will hear His voice and come out,find comfort in Jesus words at John 5:28 and 29 and again sorry for your loss,

- Martha Martin, Phoenix, Az

Our hearts, love, and prayers are with Ryan and all of the family, Judy & John Perryman. (Carolyn has been a best friend since we were 2 or 3 years old.). She often spoke of how loving and positive Ryan was and what a delight it was to be in his presence. God bless each of you.

- Perryman, Judy & John, Bloomfield Hills, Mi

Jan and Family, I was so very saddened to see this. I was out of town and away from Facebook for a few days, so I am so very sorry to be delayed in this message. I remember Ryan as a baby, and you have been such a devoted Mom.. Bless you all, and know you are being thought about. Love the Gaston family...

- Susie Morrison Thompson, Lawrenceville, GA

We will miss seeing Ryan on his daily walks through the neighborhood. He always liked to see the cars I was working on and his smile will be missed. He now is with our Lord and his worldly burdens have been lifted. We pray for peace to your family and your bereavement.

- Paul and Julie Chauvin, Savannah, Ga

Mike, Jan & family ~ My heart continues to break for you all. Though I didn’t know Ryan, I feel like I did. In the posts you shared, he looked like the happiest & most content young man...always exuding joy and light. Praying God’s comfort for you now and in the difficult days ahead, and that you’ll be given the gift of memory after sweet memory of your beautiful boy...that you’ll be able to picture him soaring on wings like eagles, running and not growing weary.

- Cindy Walker , Watkinsville , Ga

Sending my Love and prayers to you all.

- Bonnie Hussey, Santa Monica, CA

Dear Mike, Jan and family, I was very sorry to hear this news and wish I could have met your delightful son, Ryan. May your hearts be comforted with supernatural peace from our heavenly Father. --- John 11:25 and Jesus said, 'I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me - shall never die.' Our hope is a priceless gift.

- Debbie Berry, Peachtree Corners, GA

I really will miss you, dearly my little buddy. My life was changed from the start when I met you. The world will never be the same without you in it. My Love and Prayers go out to you Jan, Mike and Michael. God give you comfort and strength during these coming days and thereafter.

- Candy Barber, Kingsland, Ga

I had the privilege of being Ryan's principal at Camde Middle School. He made us all better people and my day-to-day interactions with him, though brief, always brought me joy. His smile was infectious. I loved talking sports with him and his favorite teacher Buckeye. Jan and Michael are role model parents for us all.

- Mark Durham, St. Marys, GA

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Ryan. Prayers for your healing on this difficult time. He will be miss but he’s in good hands of our lord almighty. May god be with you all always. Love, Chuck, Tess, Natalie and Natasha King

- King Family, Fernandina Beach , Fl

I was blessed to have met Ryan, Mom and Dad at Memorial. Ryan touched my heart with his uplifting spirit and smile. I will never forget that when he was through he simply said “Bye!” Jan, you have given your all to Ryan and you should be so proud! Prayers to all!

- Kathy Powell, Savannah , Ga

To my Ryan who called me GiGi you will always have a special place in my heart. I know heaven is a wonderful place for you and keep looking down on the family that is waiting to see you. Such a special young man. We all need to be as loving as you were to everyone. God will take good care of you. He will also help mom, dad,and bubba.

- Carolyn Sailors , Kingsland , Ga

God's Peace

- Jim & Holly Proctor, Camden County, Ga

When you're shivering with loss, let love keep you warm with memories. ~Terri Guillemets

- Dennis and Claire Conley, Savannah, GA

I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful angel! I remember when Ryan was born when I worked at Egleston and coming to visit you all. The words in the obituary are so true and beautiful about Jan’s devotion. I’ll hold your family near and dear to my heart and pray for strength and peace during this time. May you enjoy the memories of your time together on Earth. Rest In Peace sweet Ryan. Xoxo

- Tina Kalvelage and family, Atlanta , GA

Carolyn, Jan, Mike & Michael, May the love and sympathy that surrounds each of you, of those who care, make the sorrow of your loss, less difficult to bear. May your treasured memories of Ryan forever bring you comfort. I pray each of you feel the love of God and His loving arms around each of you, today, tomorrow as well as the coming weeks and months. Knowing God has Ryan in His arms now! With prayers and love, Pankey

- Pankey Kite, Macon, GA

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of this amazing young man.

- Terri & Mike Patillo, Savannah, GA

Ryan, You and your infectious smile will truly be missed! Nykiah talks all the time about how you would love to hold her hand when you both would attend Lindsey Place Camp. You gave the best hugs and kisses and you will be truly missed! Enjoyed having lunch with you at one of your favorite eating places “Chick Fil A!” Still so surreal that you are gone! We know you are with God now, walking, running, and doing what you do best...smiling. Thumbs up to you Ryan, we love you and will forever cherish the sweet memories .

- Paula, Nykiah, and Nykayla Connelly, Savannah, Ga

I am so blessed to know Ryan. Jan, thank you for letting me a small part of his life. I loved being his SLP for that short time in Georgia. I will always remember the giant ray of sunshine that he was. He made me smile always. Thinking of you and yours. Sending prayers of comfort in your upcoming days.

- Kalli Daniels Nelson , Yuma , Arizona

Praying that you feel the love and support of all those that love you and Ryan. That precious boy was indeed blessed by the love of his special family! May the Holy Spirit comfort you and this very sad time. It always amazed me that he would smile even though he was dealing with so much!

- Pennie Lightfoot, Savannah, GA

The “special abilities” community is such a wonderful family to be a part of! I’m grateful to have met Ryan through my friendship with Lindsey and my involvement with Lindsey’s Place Camp! Our boys remember Ryan as the “one with glasses, brown hair that like telling jokes”...we pray for strength and comfort through Gods mercy and grace for Ryan’s family. I witnessed the care that Jan and his family gave to Ryan, always being his advocate! Ryan lived the fullest of life that more often people take for granted...Ryan is loved and will be missed!

- Marla Danis and family, Pooler, Ga

It truly saddens me to hear of the news that Ryan has left this world. While we never did have the chance to meet him, I grew fond of his love for life through all the stories that Jan shared! Heaven has gained another angel. Holley and I send our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of Ryan and we pray that God comfort them during this difficult time!

- Michael and Holley Wilbanks, Lilburn , Ga

I love you guys! I wish I could help with the heartbreak and sadness. I want to thank you for sharing Ryan and his stories he has been a blessing to so many! ?? Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers for peace. Love, Candy

- Candy Dugan, St. Marys, Ga

Mike & Jan, Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences are with you and all who loved Ryan. His infectious smile will truly be missed in the neighbourhood. Sending prayers for your family. He is in good hands now. The Herrington family

- Gary Herrington, Savannah, Georgia

We didnt know Ryan personally only knowing of him through a facebook friendship with his mother. We followed his journey faithfully as he attacked life with a warrior like spirit. We smiled at his good days and worried over his hospital stays. He touched our lives all the same. May he find loving rest at Gods feet.I look forward to the day when i meet this noble young man on the other side.

- Kevin and Winnie Oliver, Detroit, Mi

Ryan was a very special young man to so many. Jan, Mike and Michael are an inspiration for the love and care you gave Ryan. We love you guys.

- Tommy Sailors Family, St Marys, GA

Ryan, It has been three and a half months since you gained your angel wings...I miss your laugh, your smile and your hugs. Michael and I miss you and your dad every. single. solitary. day. Our lives were so intertwined that it is just so hard without you. I know you are running the show in Heaven and that makes me smile. love and miss you every day my sweet baby.

- Ma, Savannah, ga

To the Family of Ryan, Sorry for your loss of your son Ryan,The Bible speaks of a time in the future when those in the memorial tombs,will hear His voice and come out,find comfort in Jesus words at John 5:28 and 29 and again sorry for your loss,

- Martha Martin, Phoenix, Az

A candle has been lit!

- RGB , New Jers

Our hearts, love, and prayers are with Ryan and all of the family, Judy & John Perryman. (Carolyn has been a best friend since we were 2 or 3 years old.). She often spoke of how loving and positive Ryan was and what a delight it was to be in his presence. God bless each of you.

- Perryman, Judy & John, Bloomfield Hills, Mi

Jan and Family, I was so very saddened to see this. I was out of town and away from Facebook for a few days, so I am so very sorry to be delayed in this message. I remember Ryan as a baby, and you have been such a devoted Mom.. Bless you all, and know you are being thought about. Love the Gaston family...

- Susie Morrison Thompson, Lawrenceville, GA

We will miss seeing Ryan on his daily walks through the neighborhood. He always liked to see the cars I was working on and his smile will be missed. He now is with our Lord and his worldly burdens have been lifted. We pray for peace to your family and your bereavement.

- Paul and Julie Chauvin, Savannah, Ga

Mike, Jan & family ~ My heart continues to break for you all. Though I didn’t know Ryan, I feel like I did. In the posts you shared, he looked like the happiest & most content young man...always exuding joy and light. Praying God’s comfort for you now and in the difficult days ahead, and that you’ll be given the gift of memory after sweet memory of your beautiful boy...that you’ll be able to picture him soaring on wings like eagles, running and not growing weary.

- Cindy Walker , Watkinsville , Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Bonnie , Califo

Sending my Love and prayers to you all.

- Bonnie Hussey, Santa Monica, CA

Dear Mike, Jan and family, I was very sorry to hear this news and wish I could have met your delightful son, Ryan. May your hearts be comforted with supernatural peace from our heavenly Father. --- John 11:25 and Jesus said, 'I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me - shall never die.' Our hope is a priceless gift.

- Debbie Berry, Peachtree Corners, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Karen Grizzard , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Dever Lassiter , Georg

I really will miss you, dearly my little buddy. My life was changed from the start when I met you. The world will never be the same without you in it. My Love and Prayers go out to you Jan, Mike and Michael. God give you comfort and strength during these coming days and thereafter.

- Candy Barber, Kingsland, Ga

I had the privilege of being Ryan's principal at Camde Middle School. He made us all better people and my day-to-day interactions with him, though brief, always brought me joy. His smile was infectious. I loved talking sports with him and his favorite teacher Buckeye. Jan and Michael are role model parents for us all.

- Mark Durham, St. Marys, GA

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Ryan. Prayers for your healing on this difficult time. He will be miss but he’s in good hands of our lord almighty. May god be with you all always. Love, Chuck, Tess, Natalie and Natasha King

- King Family, Fernandina Beach , Fl

I was blessed to have met Ryan, Mom and Dad at Memorial. Ryan touched my heart with his uplifting spirit and smile. I will never forget that when he was through he simply said “Bye!” Jan, you have given your all to Ryan and you should be so proud! Prayers to all!

- Kathy Powell, Savannah , Ga

A candle has been lit!

- The "O's" , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Michael & Tyree Martin , Georg

To my Ryan who called me GiGi you will always have a special place in my heart. I know heaven is a wonderful place for you and keep looking down on the family that is waiting to see you. Such a special young man. We all need to be as loving as you were to everyone. God will take good care of you. He will also help mom, dad,and bubba.

- Carolyn Sailors , Kingsland , Ga

God's Peace

- Jim & Holly Proctor, Camden County, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Polly Parker , Georg

When you're shivering with loss, let love keep you warm with memories. ~Terri Guillemets

- Dennis and Claire Conley, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Scott, Tracy, Adam & Paige Thomson , Georg

I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful angel! I remember when Ryan was born when I worked at Egleston and coming to visit you all. The words in the obituary are so true and beautiful about Jan’s devotion. I’ll hold your family near and dear to my heart and pray for strength and peace during this time. May you enjoy the memories of your time together on Earth. Rest In Peace sweet Ryan. Xoxo

- Tina Kalvelage and family, Atlanta , GA

A candle has been lit!

- Tammy Lomis , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Susan Perry , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Joy Gaston , Georg

Carolyn, Jan, Mike & Michael, May the love and sympathy that surrounds each of you, of those who care, make the sorrow of your loss, less difficult to bear. May your treasured memories of Ryan forever bring you comfort. I pray each of you feel the love of God and His loving arms around each of you, today, tomorrow as well as the coming weeks and months. Knowing God has Ryan in His arms now! With prayers and love, Pankey

- Pankey Kite, Macon, GA

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of this amazing young man.

- Terri & Mike Patillo, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Patillo Family , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Margie McDonald , Alask

Ryan, You and your infectious smile will truly be missed! Nykiah talks all the time about how you would love to hold her hand when you both would attend Lindsey Place Camp. You gave the best hugs and kisses and you will be truly missed! Enjoyed having lunch with you at one of your favorite eating places “Chick Fil A!” Still so surreal that you are gone! We know you are with God now, walking, running, and doing what you do best...smiling. Thumbs up to you Ryan, we love you and will forever cherish the sweet memories .

- Paula, Nykiah, and Nykayla Connelly, Savannah, Ga

I am so blessed to know Ryan. Jan, thank you for letting me a small part of his life. I loved being his SLP for that short time in Georgia. I will always remember the giant ray of sunshine that he was. He made me smile always. Thinking of you and yours. Sending prayers of comfort in your upcoming days.

- Kalli Daniels Nelson , Yuma , Arizona

A candle has been lit!

- ourtney G. Fetz , Georg

Praying that you feel the love and support of all those that love you and Ryan. That precious boy was indeed blessed by the love of his special family! May the Holy Spirit comfort you and this very sad time. It always amazed me that he would smile even though he was dealing with so much!

- Pennie Lightfoot, Savannah, GA

The “special abilities” community is such a wonderful family to be a part of! I’m grateful to have met Ryan through my friendship with Lindsey and my involvement with Lindsey’s Place Camp! Our boys remember Ryan as the “one with glasses, brown hair that like telling jokes”...we pray for strength and comfort through Gods mercy and grace for Ryan’s family. I witnessed the care that Jan and his family gave to Ryan, always being his advocate! Ryan lived the fullest of life that more often people take for granted...Ryan is loved and will be missed!

- Marla Danis and family, Pooler, Ga

It truly saddens me to hear of the news that Ryan has left this world. While we never did have the chance to meet him, I grew fond of his love for life through all the stories that Jan shared! Heaven has gained another angel. Holley and I send our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of Ryan and we pray that God comfort them during this difficult time!

- Michael and Holley Wilbanks, Lilburn , Ga

I love you guys! I wish I could help with the heartbreak and sadness. I want to thank you for sharing Ryan and his stories he has been a blessing to so many! ?? Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers for peace. Love, Candy

- Candy Dugan, St. Marys, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Dugan , Georg

Mike & Jan, Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences are with you and all who loved Ryan. His infectious smile will truly be missed in the neighbourhood. Sending prayers for your family. He is in good hands now. The Herrington family

- Gary Herrington, Savannah, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

- Kevin and Winnie Oliver , Michig

We didnt know Ryan personally only knowing of him through a facebook friendship with his mother. We followed his journey faithfully as he attacked life with a warrior like spirit. We smiled at his good days and worried over his hospital stays. He touched our lives all the same. May he find loving rest at Gods feet.I look forward to the day when i meet this noble young man on the other side.

- Kevin and Winnie Oliver, Detroit, Mi

A candle has been lit!

- Gary & Patricia Herrington , Georg

Ryan was a very special young man to so many. Jan, Mike and Michael are an inspiration for the love and care you gave Ryan. We love you guys.

- Tommy Sailors Family, St Marys, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200