Obituary of Ryan James Sanders

Ryan James Sanders, age 25, from Venice Florida died on February 24, 2024, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. 

He was born April 27th to Lisa (Kolb) Fell and Jay Sanders in Sarasota Florida.   

Ryan attended Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) for high school graduating in 2017.   He worked many years in new pool construction in the Sarasota area, however his true passion was trucks and heavy equipment.    

Ryan recently graduated from Universal Technical Institute in Orlando Florida (January 2024) after successfully completing a dual program for Diesel and Automotive mechanics.    

He started his dream job working for Caterpillar / Yancey Bros. in Macon Georgia the week after graduation, and absolutely loved everything about his chosen career.  In just 6 short weeks, Ryan earned his Level 3 Diesel Mechanic distinction, something that his supervisor said is not common for new graduates to advance so quickly. However, he described Ryan as a hardworking, kind and a valuable team member. 

Every conversation with Ryan either started or ended (and sometimes both) with a discussion about trucks.   You name it and he loved it.  Ryans passion for life was only surpassed by “truck talk”. 

Ryan lit up a room unlike anyone else.  He was a kind soul and always had the time to help or just listen.  He always saw the glass half full and by the time he was done with you - you saw it that way too. 

He never passed up an invitation to help someone. No matter what.  No matter where.  This quality was his core. 

Ryan loved children and they loved him back.  He had a gift to make them comfortable with him and play at their level.  Ryan first toy focus was Thomas the Train but he was best known for being the original King of Lego’s. 

Ryan enjoyed the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter making frequent trips to the Indiana / Michigan area to hunt with family.   He was also a fanatic when it came to water skiing, at which he excelled.   He loved to watch movies (particularly anything Marvel or a traditional “chick flick” - his favorite being Sweet Home Alabama).   Ryan also enjoyed sailing, a sport he began at a young age. 

He was a certified scuba diver and also excelled at trap and skeet shooting.  He was excellent marksman. 

Ryan was the epitome of life.   He had a way about him that welcomed anyone into his world.    He loved to tease and especially would go out of his way to say and do things that he knew would drive others crazy (his mom in particular).  Yet Ryan did not have a malicious bone in his body and his compassion toward others was only exceeded by the size of heart. 

Being protective of his sisters was his life mission.  He took it seriously and executed the role without a flaw. 

Ryan is survived by his mom, Lisa Fell (Scott Fell), his dad Jay Sanders (Cheryl), his sisters Victoria Sanders, Lauren Sanders and Kayleigh Fell, brothers Josh Sanders and Cameron Fell, grandparents Jim and Evelyn Kolb, and Grandmother Linda Sanders.  He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1-4pm at Farley Funeral Home at 265 Nokomis Avenue, Venice FL 34285.  Celebration of life testimonials at approximately 2 pm.   A fund has been set up in Ryans name for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, a cause that Ryan supported.   Donations can be made to: Ryan Sanders Memorial Fund (c/o Scott Fell).  Contact us for options to make a donation. A Venmo QR code has been added to the tribute wall for anyone that would like to make a donation.

To livestream the service, please use the follwing link:

https://www.studiokrp.com/ryan-sanders-funeral-livestream