Ryan Barker, 36,of Omaha, NE, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at University of Neb raska Medical Center in Omaha, after a short but devastating battle with complications of lymphoma. He fought hard, as he always did in life.
He began his life in Charleston, SC and shortly thereafter moved to Kingsland with his family includding parents, Jerry and Marlane and brother Jeff. He graduated from Camden County High School in 2007 and went on to earn his associate of arts degree in criminal justice from Coastal Georgia Community College. He recently resumed pursuit of his bachelor of arts. He was passionate about justice and fair treatment for all.
After high school, he relocated to Blackshear and also resided for a time in the Jacksonville, FL area while working as a corrections officer at the Florida State Prison.
In 2022, he moved to Lincoln to be near his paternal relatives and experience a new adventure. He stayed with his uncle, Sonny (Lana) while adjusting to the new area. He soon found his way to Omaha where he served as a corrections officer for the Douglas County Corrections Facility until his death.
He never met a stranger. From the time he was a toddler, it seemed like no matter where he was, people would approach him and greet him like an old friend.
He always had a beautiful, infectious, if not mischievous, grin on his face and beautiful, twinkling blue eyes. He was always the one to “crack people up” and lighten the mood with his unexpected quick wit. He had a great love of travel and traveled as often as possible. He was always ready for a road trip. He met and befriended people from all over, of all nationalities and walks of life and many remained friends for life.
It was always a surprise to glance at Facebook to see where he was traveling — there was always a new adventure.
He was a loyal and true fan of UGA football and never missed watching his Dawgs, no matter where he was. It was very rare that he’d miss a trip to Jacksonville, FL for the annual Florida-Georgia game, even after moving to Nebraska.
His other joys in life included hanging out, dining and clubbing with his many friends. He loved music and had a soft spot for dogs. He lived his life to the fullest and everyone who crossed paths with him was profoundly touched by his kindness, spirit and joy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry D. Barker; maternal grandparents, Norman and Eleanor McCall and paternal grandfather, Ray Pinzor.
Survivors include his mother, Marlane Barker, Blackshear, GA/Urbana, OH; brother Jeff (Courtney), Cartersville; nephews, Grayson Russell of Ohio and Jaxson Barker, Cartersville; grandmother, Donna Pinzon, Lincoln, NE; aunt, Diana Barker, Lincoln; uncle, Sonny (Lana); special cousins in Lincoln, Derek, Dalton and Cyndee as well as extended family in Utah, Mexico, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
He leaves behind many, many dear friends in both Nebraska and Georgia. Some of them he knew for a short time and others were lifelong friends.
All feel lucky and blessed to have been given the chance to travel, even briefly, through life with him. His kindness and beautiful spirit will live eternally in our memories.
A private, local graveside service was held at Waters Cemetery.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of local arrangements.
Barker
