Ryan Keith Haynes

Ryan attended Pulaski County High School and Auburn High School. He was a junior firefighter for the Riner Volunteer Fire Department. In the years following, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for nine years as an ammunition specialist. He is a veteran of the War on Terrorism and spent tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. His time of service took him to many places, but his favorite post was in Savannah, Georgia at Fort Stewart. After his discharge from service, Ryan enjoyed working in the construction industry where his talents, skills, and incredible work ethic shined. He was employed as a project manager at Concrete Impressions of Florida, Inc.
He was an extraordinary prankster, a special talent he honed over the years. He bestowed his jokes as a sign of his love and affection for people.
Ryan enjoyed watching NASCAR in his youth. As a boy, he pulled for fellow redhead, Bill Elliot. His passions for cars and racing led him to create his own adventures on the track. Ryan raced in the U-Car series at the Motor Mile Speedway in Fairlawn, Virginia. In February 2023, he also built his own car in two weeks and raced the #87 at the Scrambler 25 in Auburndale, Florida where he finished eighth the first time out.
He was a Virginia Tech Hokies and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He is remembered by some as the best griller of chicken wings on earth. He enjoyed bowhunting. Whether it was in his beloved mountains of Virginia or the swamplands of Florida, he was most at home in nature. Ryan adored his animals. Children were drawn to him because he made them feel special and safe. He made people laugh.
But above all, Ryan fiercely loved his family and friends. We thank him for all the laughs, the smiles and the hugs. Ryan simply loved big.
At the time of his passing, he was an avid supporter of and Captain for the Okeechobee High School Bass Club. This was a role that combined his willingness to serve others with his love for fishing.