Ryan Aaron Spence, age 19, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in The Woodlands, Texas.

He was born on November 15, 1999 at Northwest Women's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Ryan grew up in The Woodlands, Texas with frequent trips to Dallas, Tulsa, and Okinawa, Japan to visit family.

Ryan attended Galatas Elementary, Mitchell Intermediate, McCullough Junior High, The Woodlands High School, and Lone Star College. While in high school, Ryan was involved in the Air Force Junior ROTC, competing in the Drill Team, presenting the colors at events, and making enduring friendships. Outside of school, Ryan was also a member of Texas Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, performing a traditional Okinawan dance.

Known for his sense of humor and brightening others' spirits, Ryan loved making others smile. Growing up, Ryan enjoyed spending time with friends and family and outdoor activities. He found joy climbing Mt Fuji, fishing, hunting, and swimming.

He leaves behind his father, William Mark Spence; mother, Ikuko Nakamoto; parental figure, Deloris Beck; sister, Ashlee; grandparents, William Merle and Anne Mae Spence and Kenkichi and Mitsuko Nakamoto, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ryan was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend. He was an engaging young man taking classes at Lone Star College, working as a server at a nearby steakhouse, and lighting up others' lives. He talked about transferring to Texas A&M University to study Industrial Engineering and joining the Corps of Cadets, as well as visiting family in Okinawa, Japan next summer.