Ryan Matthew Nail passed away on December 13, 2023, in Wilburton, Oklahoma.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrated by Fr. Bryan Ketterer in Wilburton. The burial will follow at the Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery at the Veterans Colony with military honors provided by the VFW Post #3649 of Wilburton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans Colony.
Born on July 28, 1982, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Ryan’s early years were spent in the loving embrace of his family. He is survived by his devoted parents, Deborah (Fudge) Blanche and Phillip Blanche, and his father, Curtis Nail, and his wife, Anita. His grandparents, Patsy (Dunkin) Fudge and Willie Fudge, and Johnnie Nail and Luan (Williams) Nail, instilled in him values of kindness and integrity that he carried throughout his life. Ryan’s siblings: Eric Nail and his wife, Misty, and Elizabeth (Blanche) Little and her husband, Valen, will forever cherish the memories they created together. His life was further enriched by the joy of his nephews and nieces: Blake Nail, Rylie Howry and her husband, Zack, Hailee and her husband, Trysten Thompson, and Zoey Little. Ryan also leaves behind his brothers: Tyler Nail and wife, Katie, and Riley Nail and wife, Avery; step-brother, Joshua Blanche, his uncle, John Nail and his wife, Carrie, and his cousin, Kristin Richards and her husband, Michael.
His maternal great-grandmother, Louise Dunkin, and step-sister, Rebecca Blanche, preceded him in death.
Ryan’s educational journey was marked by his graduation from Piedmont High School with the Class of 2001. He furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his analytical mind and prepared for a life of service.
On December 28, 2005, Ryan’s path led him to join the United States Army. His dedication and valor were evident as he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as a green beret and special forces medic. His time in the military was distinguished by his receipt of several commendations and medals, a reflection of his bravery during two tours in Afghanistan. Ryan’s honorable discharge on April 28, 2011, marked the end of a chapter defined by courage and commitment to his country.
Following his military service, Ryan found a sense of community and purpose at the Veterans Colony near Wilburton, Oklahoma. There, he embraced a quieter pace of life alongside his beloved dogs and continued to serve others as a volunteer firefighter and medic. His involvement with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church was a source of solace and strength, and he was an active and cherished member of the congregation.
Ryan’s legacy is one of unwavering service and profound bravery. His selfless nature was evident not only in his military career but also in his everyday actions. He approached life with an analytical mind, always ready to solve problems and help those in need. His courage, both in the face of conflict and in his personal battles, inspired all who knew him.
As we bid farewell to Ryan, we celebrate a life lived with honor and a heart that knew no bounds. His memory will continue to be a guiding light for his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Ryan Matthew Nail’s story is not one of an ending, but a lasting influence that will continue to resonate in the lives of many.
