Jonathan Ryan Wilkes

Jonathan Ryan Wilkes, 27, a resident of Phenix City, Alabama and formerly of Luverne, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 8th, 2022, surrounded by his family. Funeral services for Ryan will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, April 10th, at Joquin Baptist Church with Brother Stae Sanders, Brother Greg Wilkes, and Rev. Gerald R. Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow in Joquin Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday for an hour prior to the service.

Ryan was a proud member of the Class of 2012 of Luverne High School. After graduation, he went on to earn his Bachelor's of Science degree in Multimedia Journalism from Troy University. He thoroughly enjoyed the gaming world and his blog developed a strong following over the years. He also loved cooking and sports, especially the Atlanta Braves, Troy Trojans, and UGA football, as well as spending time with his family and friends. Ryan was truly a kind, compassionate, and caring individual who spent most of his life as a champion for the underdog. He faced nearly insurmountable odds throughout his life, but his upbeat, "never give up" attitude became an inspiration to all those who knew and loved him. Though his time with us was brief, he has left a lasting legacy on the lives of more than he could possibly know and it will continue for many years to come.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sammy & Lena Pearl Carr. He is survived by his devoted parents, Randy & Cathy Carr Wilkes; brother & sister-in-law, Haden & Kaylee Wilkes; niece, Hadley Wilkes; grandparents, Jerry & Juanita Wilkes; and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Andy Ackerman, Brenden Hermeling, Daniel Mobley, Jace Sanders, Jon Hayden Sanders, Joe Smith, and Ethan Wilkes. The Luverne High School Class of 2012 will serve as honorary pallbearers.