Wesley Ryan Johnson September 23, 1981 – September 15, 2026

Wesley Ryan Johnson passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 44. He was a family man who adored his wife and two daughters and was a devoted son, brother, and friend.

Ryan was born on September 23, 1981, in Auburn, Alabama, to Rodney and Roxanne Johnston Johnson. He grew up in Reeltown, Alabama, where he spent his childhood helping on the family cattle farm, riding four-wheelers, playing sports, and either protecting or playfully picking on his little sister, Brooke. He graduated from Tallassee High School in 2000, where he was active in football and had many friends.

After high school, Ryan moved to the Gulf Coast, where he met Ashley Collins, whom he married in 2009. They were best friends and shared a deep, passionate, and genuine love. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Addelyn, in 2013, followed by their second daughter, Olivia, in 2015. The arrival of Addy and Liv transformed Ryan’s life. From that point forward, his greatest purpose was being the best father he could be. Every plan he made and every decision he made was deliberate and intentional, guided by one purpose: to love, protect, and care for Ashley, Addy, and Liv. They were the center of his world, and he was endlessly proud of the life they built together.

Ryan was also deeply devoted to his extended family, especially his parents and sister. He was quick with his love and direct with his affection, never hesitating to say, “I love you,” and everyone who heard those words knew he meant them. He had an outgoing personality and made friends wherever he went, never meeting a stranger. His sense of humor and easygoing nature made people laugh and put them at ease. He was intentional about the relationships he invested in and was a loyal and dependable friend whose steady presence could always be counted on. He never thought twice about dropping what he was doing to help someone he cared about. In the days following his passing, one friend and coworker told Ashley, “Ryan was the guy we would go to in situations like this. He would know what to do and what to say.” Those words perfectly capture the dependable, caring person Ryan was and the impact he had on the lives of so many.

While family and friends always came first, Ryan’s other great love was fishing. To him, every body of water was a potential fishing hole, and he was an exceptional angler. He also enjoyed deer hunting, Auburn football, and spending weekends on the water with his family.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Rodney Johnson; his grandparents, Doyle and Sarah Johnson and Richard and Dorothy Johnston; and several aunts and uncles.

Ryan is survived by his beloved wife, Ashley Collins Johnson; his daughters, Addelyn Johnson and Olivia Johnson; his mother, Roxanne Johnston Kelly, and stepfather, Donald Kelly; his sister, Brooke Lane (John); his stepsister, Andrea Overman (Austin); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ryan will be remembered by all as a devoted father, a fiercely loving son, the big brother who always made his little sister laugh, and a steadfast friend who will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House.

Many may not know that our youngest daughter, Olivia, experienced health issues when she was young. At that time, Ryan was working in Mobile while Olivia was hospitalized in Pensacola. He would leave for work before the sun came up, drive to Mobile, and after work drive home to visit our oldest daughter before continuing on to Pensacola to be with Olivia and me.

During that difficult time, the Ronald McDonald House gave Ryan a place to stay, provided meals, and most importantly, allowed him to remain close to us when our family needed him most.

Ryan and I have been forever grateful for the love, kindness, and support we received from the Ronald McDonald House. If you are considering sending flowers, we ask that you please take a moment to consider making a donation in Ryan’s memory instead.

Your generosity would mean so much to our family and would help provide the same comfort and support to other families facing difficult times.

Send check payable to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida to their Pensacola location at 5200 East 9th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504 or call their office at 850-477-2273.