Suicide is not the answer...

Jeremy James Ryals, age 43, of Hermitage, passed away by his own hand on May 2, 2021, in Nashville, TN.  He was born in Atmore, Alabama on August 8, 1977,  to Anita and James (Jimmy) Ryals. He was a 1995 graduate of Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, AL.

Jeremy worked as a construction foreman in the last few years of his life. He loved making, and building things with his hands. He had previously been a tour bus driver for many major performers., and had the great honor of driving them all over our beautiful country. He never met a stranger. He had a great passion for riding, and racing motorcycles. He was a co-founder of Nashville Sportbike meetup. Jeremy was a very talented artist who often portrayed his emotions in his free hand drawings.

Jeremy joins his Dad, James (Jimmy) Ryals, and his very beloved Grandparents Virginia and Odell Ryals, all of Castleberry, Alabama, in heaven. Jeremy is survived by his son, Cody James (Cheyenne) Martin, granddaughters Emma, and Gracelynn, all of Bay Minette, Alabama, his Mother, Anita D Austin, of Hermitage, TN, a sister, Amanda Helton, niece and nephew, Taylor and Jackson, all of Hermitage, TN, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Jeremy also left behind his very loved chihuahua mix pup, Gizzy. He loved her more than life itself. She is now in the care of his mother until she crosses the rainbow bridge, and joins her dad in heaven.

A small celebration of life, and viewing will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11th, at The Pavilion at Harpeth Hills, 9090 TN 100, Nashville, TN 37221. Cremation will follow. Nashville Funeral & Cremation, Nashville, TN is handling all arrangements.

As a tribute to, and in memory of Jeremy, his family hopes that being open about his suicide may help others to cope with similar losses. Please remember: Always be kind, always be patient. Always love, and always care. No matter who you are, we are all human beings and deserve to be happy, accepted, and most importantly, loved.