Ryan Alexander Pickens

Ryan Alexander Pickes was born on August 13, 1981, in Anderson County, South Carolina to Mr. Ansel Smith, Sr., and Ms. Audrey Pickens. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Ryan left the troubles of this world behind, and transitioned from time into eternity.

Ryan, or "Money Man" as he was affectionately known for his love for money, was raised in the communities of Anderson County and was a product of the school district as well. Aftertransitioning from his secondary education, he spent several years in the workforce as he sought to create a better life for himself and those whom he loved. Over the last 10 years, he accrued an extensive tenure in the Food Service industry, having worked diligently for several companies. Above all else, Ryan was a family man, and he especially loved his grandchildren; they were his pride and joy, and the apple of his eye! What we will remember most, however, is how he was unapologetically himself– at all times! His goofy personality had a way of touching the hearts of all that he encountered, but before you could notice his sense of humor, you had no choice but to acknowledge how fresh he always was dressed! He was a lover of music, basketball, Gamecock Football, Debbie Cakes, cereal and milk, and ice cream; it's all of these random, but essential things that will forever trigger our memory of this "old soul." While none of us were prepared for this to be the last "LEO SZN" we experienced with Ryan, we will take comfort in looking for that day where we will all be together again.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Warren Pickens and Mrs. Mary Inez Pickens; his great-uncle, Mr. Jack Rucker; a very special uncle, Mr. Melvin Scott; his great-aunt, Ms. Johnnie Mae Rucker; his brother, Mr. John "Spankey" Turman; and his cousins, Mr. Brandon Pickens and Mr. Demario "Shun" Mayfield.

Those left behind to continue his legacy of love are his soulmate and the one true love of his life, Ms. Elizabeth Ann Jones; his children: Mr. Lishawan Pickens and Ms. Kyundra Pickens both of Anderson, South Carolina; his grandchildren: Miss Kameria Pickens and Master Breaze Pickens; his parents, Mr. Ansel Smith, Sr. and Ms. Audrey Pickens; and his grandmother, Ms. Mary Smith. Also left behind are his siblings: Ms. Lakisha Turman, Ms. Alice Ramsey, Ms. Alicia Smith, Ms. LaTiffany Smith, and Mr. Ansel Smith, Jr.; his auntie-mama, Ms. Sandra Smith; and a host of other close relatives and friends, all of whom will need your prayers in the coming days, weeks, months, and even years as they learn to cope with such a terrible loss.