Obituary of Ryan Wayne Martin

PFC Ryan Wayne Martin, 19, of Columbia, SC died on Sept. 11, 2019 in a fatal motorcycle accident in Carlsbad, CA.   He joined the Marine Corps after high school and was stationed with 369 MAW, Camp Pendleton, CA.

He was the son of Sandra J. Reiter and Timothy A. Martin.  He is survived by Theodore Reiter, Sandra Jones Reiter, sisters: Jessica and Kimberly (Rane), stepbrother Nicholas Reiter (Bekka) and his sister Angie Reiter.  Nieces: Ally Mabe, little Tonya Jean, & Kasiah; Nephews: Dylan and baby Owen. His aunt Elizabeth Conerly, his cousins Shannon Brown (Justin), Ashlen Conerly (Alex), uncle Marty Martinez (Meli) their children, Celestino Martinez (Yoli) and children.  Many great aunts and uncles, cousins, dawg Chewbacca, Sammy, Sylvester and Tommie his beloved cats.

We’re comforted in knowing Ryan was a Christian with a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He gave his heart and spirit to Jesus Christ at age 13.  While at bible camp he gave his heart to Jesus.  And renewed his spirit at baptism.  He loved bonfires, smores, burnt marshmallows, Greenville Pickens Racetrack, hanging out with friends, or playing Xbox.  He liked kayaking on the Congaree with friends. He was in Rugby, loved photography, He would spend time with his sisters Kimberly and Jessica on weekends or go to the movies.  His #1 love was his motorcycles. He rebuilt his 1984 Honda CB450 with his sister Jessica who was his mentor.  He then sold it for profit on social media.  He purchased a 1991 CB750, then he bought his 2008 ZX6R..his favorite was the BMWS1000.  He lived his life to the fullest, he loved to ride. He’d ride to the forest, mountains, beaches or to visit friends.

My son was a Viper helicopter motor mechanic stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA.  He had a tough outer demeanor, but Ryan was a loving, thoughtful son, who’s smile would light up a room as soon as he walked in!  We were very proud of his accomplishments.  I will miss his warm kisses on my cheek, and his hugs or Flowers sent home “Just Because.”

He loved to make his friends laugh, make goofy music videos with his Marine friends on late shift and loved all kinds of weapons.  He earned his sharpshooter medal at Parris island. We remember him with love and cherish all memories we had with him.

Gone too soon but not forgotten… He is loved and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019 in the chapel at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia, 200 State Street at 2 p.m. with burial to follow in Woodridge Memorial Park with military rites. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.