Ryan McDowell Paxton
October 22, 1983 – August 24, 2024
Ryan McDowell Paxton was born at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital on October 22, 1983 and was transferred to Georgetown University Hospital. Ryan passed away at his home of 33 years on August 24, 2024 with his mother by his side.
Ryan is survived by his mother Cathy, brother Corey, and sister Mandy. He is also survived by his second mothers Phyllis and Pat and all the loving caregivers at the ARC group home where Ryan has lived since he was 7 years old. Ryan has touched so many lives over those years.
Ryan was a fighter. He fought to live from the day he was born until the day he went to be with God. He brought so much joy to so many, as we watched him grow and learn new things. Things he was told he would never be able to do. Before he lost his sight, he loved watching Wheel of Fortune and would listen for hours and hours to the Beach Boys and Grease, learning the words and singing along to many of their songs. Ryan also enjoyed spending time with his roommate Marcie who gave him the nickname “Piney” many years ago.
Ryan’s favorite color was yellow. If you have something yellow, please wear it to his services in honor of Ryan.
Visitation
Thursday, August 29, 2024
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Services
- Funeral Service
Thursday, August 29, 2024
10:30 AM
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
26 Aug 2024
10:53pm
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” …Winnie the Pooh
Ryan,
Thank you for sharing the past 25 years with our family. You colored our world, uniquely blessing us.
We love you, always.
Gail & Family
City
Port Republic
State
MD
27 Aug 2024
11:19pm
We are so sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. We first met him in 1991 when our son, Cory, entered CCS. Ryan was always a happy boy. He loved music and movement, and it was such fun for my husband and I to see his joy, especially in Miss B’s Physical Education and motor development therapy.
Condolences to Mandy, my math student years ago at Shady Side, and all Ryan’s family and friends who mourn his passing. Cherish every memory of this gentle, joyful, and special child.
City
Murrells Inlet (formerly of Dunkirk MD)
State
SC
29 Aug 2024
9:34am
Ryan, I am going to miss you so much! My heart is so sad. I’m so glad I came by to say my goodbyes and you squeezed my hand. You know I loved you dearly. REST EASY BUDDY!!!
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
29 Aug 2024
11:59am
There is a saying I have in our home, “Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.” Certainly words to live by. Ryan, you embodied your favorite color, and were one of my favorite Art students at CCS. A visual “difference” never stopped you. You especially loved the scented markers! You were always asking me questions and willing to try your best. I will think of you especially when I see the sun. You were a light. Rest easy. ☀️
“Miss P”
City
Lusby
State
Maryland
29 Aug 2024
2:23pm
My condolences to his blood family and his Long Beach family. Ryan you were truly a blessing to have in my life. Kevin and Dominique would refer to you as their lil brother and they said Rest Easy lil brother. There was never a dull moment with you. I do wish I had the chance to get down to see you before your passing. You were the reason I know the Grease movie/songs so well. Forever in my Heart Ryan.
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
Sort Comments
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” …Winnie the Pooh
Ryan,
Thank you for sharing the past 25 years with our family. You colored our world, uniquely blessing us.
We love you, always.
Gail & Family
We are so sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. We first met him in 1991 when our son, Cory, entered CCS. Ryan was always a happy boy. He loved music and movement, and it was such fun for my husband and I to see his joy, especially in Miss B’s Physical Education and motor development therapy.
Condolences to Mandy, my math student years ago at Shady Side, and all Ryan’s family and friends who mourn his passing. Cherish every memory of this gentle, joyful, and special child.
Ryan, I am going to miss you so much! My heart is so sad. I’m so glad I came by to say my goodbyes and you squeezed my hand. You know I loved you dearly. REST EASY BUDDY!!!
There is a saying I have in our home, “Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.” Certainly words to live by. Ryan, you embodied your favorite color, and were one of my favorite Art students at CCS. A visual “difference” never stopped you. You especially loved the scented markers! You were always asking me questions and willing to try your best. I will think of you especially when I see the sun. You were a light. Rest easy. ☀️
“Miss P”
My condolences to his blood family and his Long Beach family. Ryan you were truly a blessing to have in my life. Kevin and Dominique would refer to you as their lil brother and they said Rest Easy lil brother. There was never a dull moment with you. I do wish I had the chance to get down to see you before your passing. You were the reason I know the Grease movie/songs so well. Forever in my Heart Ryan.