09/09/2026
This is a post we knew would eventually have to be written, but it doesn't make it any easier. There is just no way to prepare to say good-bye to the life we've known for the last 23 years. But here we are - yet another reality in this life translated by Parkinson's.
As many of you know, Ryan has been living with Parkinson's disease for over eight years. Over the last three years, his condition has taken a more significant downward turn. We have continued to adjust the workload along the way, doing our best to work around what he could and could no longer physically do. But once his hands no longer were able to do what his brain is trying to tell them to do - it was time to throw in the towel and retirement has become his reality. Stepping away from something he's poured so much of himself into has not been an easy decision. But we are at a point in life where his health has to come first. On October 30, he will be having Deep Brain Stimulation (dbs) surgery in hopes he gets some quality of life back.
There really aren't enough words to thank everyone who has supported our little family owned business over the last 23 years. Every vehicle you trusted us with, every referral, every repeat customer, every handshake, every conversation at the shop, every person that has stopped just to pray over Ryan, every vendor and delivery driver who went the extra mile, every past and present employee -- you helped make this business what it became.
We didn't just build a business over these 23 years. We built friendships, relationships, memories, and a life around a little paint and body shop thats meant more to us than most people probably ever realized. A husband and a wife working side by side throughout the years, raising our children here, raising our grandchildren here, and now our great grandchildren-- all familiar faces of Ryan's Paint & Body. It's where customers, vendors, and drivers have become friends and extended family. We hold each and every one of yall close to our hearts. Over the years we've had these same people walk through our doors simply to check on Ryan, pray over him, encourage him, bring gifts for our grandchildren, and show up with sweets and goodies just because they cared. Those are the things you just never forget.
This isn't the ending we imagined when we started 23 years ago. Ryan always said he won't ever retire - he will expire somewhere in this shop. But Parkinson's took over and he now has no choice.
From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You for 23 incredible years of supporting Ryan's Paint & Body. Thank you for standing beside our family. Thank you for trusting us, supporting our family, and most of all, for becoming our friends. Thank you for every prayer, every kind word, every hug, every visit, every laugh, and every memory. The shop is closing, but the friendships, love, and memories made will stay with us forever.
As we walk into Ryan's retirement with faith, hope, courage, and gratitude, please keep him in your prayers as we prepare for his DBS surgery and for the journey ahead.
Upcoming timeline: The week of Sept 28 will be our final week to schedule any new work into the shop to get it out by Friday, Oct 2. We will use the month of October to finalize Ryan's Paint & Body business. And on October 30, Ryan will have deep brain stimulation (dbs) surgery.
We will still have phone lines connected and we will be in and out of the shop the whole month of October if anyone wants to stop by to say hello, ask questions, get a hug, or join us in prayer - we would love to see you.
With love and gratitude ---- Ryan & Annette
