Ryker Dylan Bradley

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains." -Author Unknown
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8
Ryker Dylan Bradley, 22, of Hutto, TX passed from this Earth unexpectedly on October 12, 2024. Ryker was born to Heather Gauvin in August 2002. He came into this world as quickly as he was taken. He grew up in Pflugerville, TX. Ryker attended elementary, middle, and high school there. He graduated from Hendrickson High School in May of 2020. Ryker was actively involved in the MCJROTC all 4 years of high school. He served as the Battalion SgtMaj during the 2019-2020 school year. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in August 2020. Ryker served for 4 years, most of those in Hawaii. In August 2024, Ryker transitioned into the Marine Corp Reserves and moved home, where he worked alongside his father, Robert Gauvin, at Hutto ISD where Ryker worked as a Campus Safety Officer. He had plans to attend the Fire Academy.
From a young age, Ryker knew he wanted to be in the military. His mother hoped he would outgrow this, but it was his passion. Being involved in the MCJROTC in high school let Ryker know that the Marine Corps was where he wanted to serve. He was always head strong and did things his way. This led him to be an amazing, honest, free-spirited man. This also led him to be an amazing Marine that was loved by all. A family member recently said, "To know Ryker was to love him." Whereas Ryker's family has received numerous sentiments from people he went to school with, teachers that taught him, Marines he served with, and many of the students he interacted with while at Hutto ISD, they have learned that there is no statement that is truer.
Ryker positively impacted the lives of so many people. It has been a very humbling experience hearing and reading the stories from those that adored him. He was always smiling (a smile that would melt his momma's heart), always willing to help others, and was always a friend. Teachers have described Ryker as charismatic, motivated, opinionated, and driven. One teacher even changed her way of teaching because of him, and she said that he made her a better teacher. All his Marine brothers/sisters have said that Ryker impacted their lives tremendously. Whether at the schoolhouse, on base, or on deployment, he was always there for them one way or another. The students at Hutto ISD have told us that he was always kind. The kids still look for him in the hallways. He was an authority figure but was easily approachable. He always had Dum-Dums in the hallway and was always handing them out to the students. Many students and their families have reached out to share stories of positive interactions in the halls of Hutto High School.
He was always a man of many stories. Some tall tales but most of love and brotherhood. He loved his Marine family deeply. His love for his family was even greater. That boy loved his momma. He loved everyone equally. He never took sides in arguments but would always listen and give unbiased advice. For such a young man, he was wise beyond his years.
Ryker was preceded in death by his Pa (Robert Dale Bradley), his uncle (Thomas Bevly), his uncle (Jesse Jauregui), his cousin (Lee Keeney), and his great grandparents (Robert and Izora Bradley).
He is survived by:
His parents: Robert and Heather Gauvin of Hutto, TX.
Siblings: Parker Bell, Mandolyn Gauvin, and Rayden Gauvin of Hutto, TX and Hannah Bell of Stephenville, TX.
His Grandparents: Donna Bradley of Santa Anna, TX and Ryan and Carol Gauvin of Pflugerville, TX.
His Great Grandparents: Donald and Janetter Strickland of Santa Anna, TX.
His Aunts and Uncles: Ross and Rebecca Bradley of Bangs, TX, Misty Jauregui of Santa Anna, TX, and David and Laura Ward of Rehoboth, MA.
He is also survived by many great aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and a huge Marine Corps Family.
Ryker lived life to the absolute fullest. He feared nothing. He traveled the world. He did everything he could to give mom and dad a scare. He loved jumping out of airplanes and he loved working with weapons. He was always willing to help no matter where help was needed. Ryker made the biggest impact on this world in his 22 years on it; more than many make in their lifetime. His family lived vicariously through his photos and stories of his travels, no matter where that took him. He loved going to the Philippines. He met many Philippine Marines and made everlasting friendships with many that he encountered.
Our world will never be the same. He was our son, our Marine. (He hated when mom would call him that.) He was the most amazing son and the absolute best big brother. He was a great grandson, a grandson, a cousin, a friend, and an incredible person. In his honor, we will move forward, living life the same way Ryker did.
Memento Mori.