Ryan Hodor (22) unexpectedly and accidentally passed away on March 11, 2024, at his college home, just before graduating from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business.

If you knew Ryan, you know he was sweet-and salty-which gave our lives extra flavor. He was very smart-yet a tad slow sometimes-which kept us on our toes. He was gentle of spirit-though rambunctious in personality-a sensitive bull in a china shop. He was clever-so funny -with a sarcastic wit that provided many laughs and will remain with us forever.

Ryan entered the world as he lived – on his own terms. A breech baby, he insisted on meeting us one day prior to his scheduled C-section; showing from the beginning who the real boss was. A happy, giggly baby, he was joined 22 months later by his little sister, Jessie, for whom he was the largest protector and the greatest aggravator. The house was filled with their incessant giggling and bickering. And always the love. Close throughout, with their matching blue eyes and white-blonde hair, they were 2 sides of the same coin. He, born with a small skin tag on his face and her missing a small circle of skin on her head, Jessie thought they were together before birth and she had lost a small wager to him, with the skin being the prize. He always loved to bet, AND to win!

Family:

Born into a close extended family, despite an 11+ year age difference with his cousins, Ryan's life was full of family events and adventures. Family trips took him to 28 states and 8 countries including Canada father/son fishing trips, mom/kid East Coast adventure, road trips to the Badlands and across Canada, Michigan lake vacations, cousin Colorado road trip, and all-family trips to the Smokey Mountains and Caribbean cruises full of competitive (and VERY aggressive) family games and exotic excursions. Fun fact: on one Honduras excursion, in a momentary lapse of parental judgement, Ryan pet, and was bitten by, a lion (merely a flesh wound!). He brunched with Aunt Susan, who dressed him to the "nines" in exchange for yardwork and reaching things up high. Additional extended family members were a constant in Ryan's life. Though he didn't really enjoy the babies until they could smile and demonstrate they recognized he was funny. And then there is the love Ryan had for his pets beginning with Golden, Bailey; then Lucy, his sweet Lab, and his beloved Booker, who followed him home one day and asked Ryan to rescue him, which he did with joy.

Friends:

Ryan was very social and loved having many friends, but a few special bonds stood out. He grew up with the Sleepy Hollow boys who are like brothers to him. This clan spent many a day (especially Thursdays) running through the yards with parents paying little attention, creating hundreds of memories - superhero costumes, 4th of July parade water fights, backyard go-carting, and games with ever-changing rules. Later, he developed deep friendships with another group of "Neighborhood Boys," including his best friend and kindred spirit, Kyle, and "the Jacobs," all of whom meant so much to Ryan. Wiffleball tournaments, Culver's corner booth, Catan, hat exchanges, beer die around their handcrafted table, and many other shenanigans highlight the special bond of the "bigs and littles" of the "NB." At UofSC came another band of brothers in his fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau. Ryan was a big brother and roommate to several fraternity members, served as the Community Service chair, and passionately promoted men's mental health awareness in memory of James Royal, a brother he lost his sophomore year.

Sports:

Ryan grew up playing and watching sports of all kinds, enjoying basketball the most. He played with many great kids and coaches, who helped define his youth and shape the man he became. He was a starter on the Dundee Crown High School basketball team- #22 -and left big shoes to fill. Literally, like size 13 (and did they stink!). Ryan was also a devoted Michigan State fan, identifying as "a Gamecock fan who will only watch Michigan State basketball. Go green!" Ryan turned almost any activity into a competition. The consummate debater, he would argue his point and never back down. His competitive spirit served him well and he was on the winning side of much that he tried, with one notable exception - the annual Easter Egg Hunt with his sister. Ryan's record: a shocking (and hilarious) 1 – 15.

Other things Ryan:

Ryan had eclectic interests and was never afraid to try a new activity. Magic tricks, juggling, skiing, skating, lake surfing, pretty much any sport - he would try it all (wasn't good at it all but would try!). This enthusiasm extended to music, movies and food. Ryan's love of music started early, and his taste developed over the years, resulting in an amazing playlist that, like in his favorite "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies, will now be the soundtrack of our lives. He appreciated both a good story and a good laugh, so his TV & movie recommendations were always spot on, and he loved sampling the favorites of others. As a food lover, Ryan was perfectly placed in his family of home cooks who love to share meals and try new things. On one cruise vacation, 9-year-old Ryan was ecstatic when he tried calamari and found he could order that for both his appetizer and dessert – doing so every night. Ryan loved most food, for which he dubbed himself "Zucchini Boy" (promptly falling off his chair laughing at how funny that was). Even his work revolved around food, working the last 5 years at the restaurant Bleuroot. He was blessed to work alongside his sister, several close friends, and a team that became another family under the guidance of the restaurant's loving chef/owner.

We love our Ry Guy, our Zucchini Boy. We truly could go on infinitely about why, and how much. He will be forever missed, and we are endlessly proud of him and the impact he had on this earth. 22 years was not enough with our #22.

Ryan was survived by his parents, Mark and Tish (Miley) Hodor; sister, Jessica Hodor; grandfather, Ronald Hodor; aunt, Susan Miley; aunt and uncle, Faith (Hodor) and Dean Watson; first cousins Kevin (Anna) Watson, Samantha Watson, Kimberly Watson (Martin Rohde); baby cousins Violet and Mira; and countless other loving extended family members.

A memorial for Ryan will be planned for the summer of 2024. A memorial scholarship fund is also being established in Ryan's memory. Additional details for both will be shared when defined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the fund once established. Until then, we ask that you please share your photos and memories of Ryan here: https://forms.gle/MjHr5JaxpBaVJBMH6 . We want to collect them and keep them close to our hearts.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, Columbia, SC is assisting the family.