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David Ryan Edwards, born on November 14, 1975 in Chesapeake, VA left this world on March 1, 2022 in Kitty Hawk, NC. He had many adventures throughout his life. Even from day one, David let the nurses know he was a charmer as he posed for his first picture grinning with his arm raised and his fist pumping to announce his arrival. He went by many different names: David Ryan, Ryan, RyRy, Dre, Son, Friend, Brother and Grandpa. Though he may have been a little rough around the edges sometimes, Ryan truly had a heart of gold and a light within that he would occasionally let shine for the world to see. He was always trying to help people when he could even when he didn’t have much to give. Ryan never met a stranger (especially if they had a fishing pole) and was always ready to lend a hand reeling in that big one on the pier or beach.

Ryan loved the water and outdoors activities including camping, hunting, and cooking. He also loved wood working, shopping, and traveling although his absolute passion was fishing. Born in Virginia but raised in Manns Harbor, Ryan lived most of his life here in the Outer Banks. He shared his love of cooking with many people whether he was working in local restaurants or making a meal to share with his friends and neighbors.

Ryan had many different jobs throughout the years. They all came with many fun stories and adventures which he always enjoyed sharing with a good laugh. In the last chapter of his life, Ryan fought hard through the pain and discomfort that comes with cancer and was still trying to make people laugh and help them in any way he could.

David Ryan will be welcomed into his afterlife by his loving mother, Judi Blazer Pownell; his step-father, Jay Pownell; his brother, Terry; his grandparents; many old friends; and numerous other relatives that have gone on before him.

Ryan is survived by several distance relatives; his girlfriend, Kristine Kruchten; and several close friends whom he considered family. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to assist with David Ryan’s final expenses may donate via his GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/42d8a065 or directly to Gallop Funeral Services at https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_27172c57. Plans for a memorial celebration are pending at this time.  Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be shared with the family via the online register at gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

The Day God Took You Home
In tears we saw you sinking,
And watched you pass away.
Our hearts were almost broken,
We wanted you to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping,
So peaceful, free from pain,
How could we wish you back with us,
To suffer that again.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

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