It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ryan Franklin Keplinger, 51, of Spring Lake, NC who left us on Saturday, to his eternal home in Heaven on October 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Ryan was born on Tuesday, October 30, 1973, in Petersburg, WV. He was the son of Naomi
Keplinger. Ryan was of the Protestant faith.
Ryan was a 1992 graduate of Moorefield High School where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America and played on the Yellow Jacket HS football team. He earned an associate’s degree in health science from Kaplan University in Dec, 2016.
Ryan proudly served his country in the United States Army retiring as SSG after 25 years of dedicated service. His service included being a medic which earned him the nickname Doc.
He was a Military Policeman and served most of his army career at Ft. Bragg as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He jumped 85-90 times out of numerous aircraft.
He earned his German jump wings and a German Parachutist Badge in Silver, and the Bundeswehr Parachutist Badge in Bronze. Ryan also earned the German Schützenschnur (marksmanship badge), several Army Commendation medals, several achievement medals, along with airborne wings and air assault wings. Ryan served in combat deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, Ryan deployed to Romania as part of a NATO Security Forces Operation in addition to earning a Humanitarian Service Medal for deployment to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. During his 25 years of service, he traveled to Germany, France, Kosovo, Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Romania, Poland, Spain, Kuwait, Austria, Luxembourg, Budapest, Canada, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Greece, Macedonia, and Qatar. Retirement wasn’t in his spirit as he landed another job as a security officer on Ft. Bragg working up until his cancer illness caused him to retire.
A true outdoorsman, Ryan loved spending time in nature. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, and riding his four wheelers. Ryan was an avid G.I. Joe collector. His home was a battlefield of G.I. Joe’s in nearly every room. He even traveled to Georgia to attend a Joefest with his buddy, Sonny. Ryan loved his Pittsburgh Steelers, UNC Tarheels, and the WV Mountaineers. He was a lifetime member of Moorefield VFW Post 9606 and a postpaid member of American Legion Post 64. Ryan even traveled back to his hometown of Moorefield to march in the annual Memorial Day parade, carrying the American flag.
Ryan loved his family dearly. His two beautiful daughters, Sarah Keplinger and Kaylee Keplinger were his pride and joy. He recently became a grandpa, and Ryan loved his new title to the fullest. Raelynn was the apple of his eye. Ryan loved his soulmate Phyllis Krajan with every ounce of his being. His family pets always had a special place in his heart; Dogs – Charly, Bo, grandpup Jager, Goldie and Chavo. Cats- Rowdy and Lucky. Blessed with a best friend from 2nd grade, Robbie Pratt who has always been there for him, will always be loved and hold a special place in his heart. Also blessed with a brother from another mother, Ray Keplinger whom Ryan loved dearly and shared many fond memories together including a trip to Costa Rico.
Ryan was preceded in death by his sister, Dreama Keplinger, Uncle Raymond Keplinger, Uncle Wimp George and Aunt Doris George. Ryan is survived by his daughters, Sarah Keplinger and Kaylee Keplinger; his cherished grand-daughter, Raelynn Cade Butler; fiancé Phyllis Krajan; his mother, Naomi Keplinger; sisters, Creama Shetler (Doug) and Tanya Crites; Aunt Effie Keplinger; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Once a paratrooper,
always a Paratrooper!
The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Jernigan-Warren Chapel, followed by burial with Military Honors at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.
Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.
