Memorial services for Ryan Michael Hardison, 34, of Branson, will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with Pastor Jeff Dotson officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to service time at the funeral home. Mr. Hardison died unexpectedly Aug. 2 in Branson West.
He was born July 7, 1984, in Bakersfield, California, the son of Roy Hardison and Debra Smith. His family moved to Gainesville in the mid-90s, and in 2002 he graduated from Gainesville High School.
Mr. Hardison was driven by creativity and was known for the astounding artwork he created. He was fueled by music and would often be seen wearing headphones at work, home and play. He thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors. Whether it was camping, swimming, fishing or going to festivals, he found peace in nature. He lived life to the fullest and will be remembered by the many memories that have been made through the years.
He worked at Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop in Branson West. His previous jobs included working for his parents at Deb-n-Lou's Café and at Bryant Plastics in Gainesville.
He was a son, brother, uncle and friend who was known for his heart of gold, his smile, his charm and his humor. He always made the best of any situation and loved to make people laugh. He was a giver and would always help a friend or stranger in their time of need. Family and friends appreciate the fact that Ryan loved hard and was loved by those who knew him. He was a fierce friend and will truly be missed.
He is survived by his parents, Louis and Debra Garcia of Price Place, Arkansas; his grandfather, Jonas Smith of Price Place; four brothers, Matthew Masengale and wife Shantell of Bakersfield, California, Joshua Hardison of Gainesville, Brandon Hardison and fiancée Destiney Bearden of Springfield, Louis "Paco" Garcia and wife Nadja of Oakland, AR; two sisters, Nicole Hardison and fiancé Hugo Martinez of West Plains, and Veronica Garcia and companion Michael Hambelton of Gainesville; and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Hardison; paternal grandparents William and Monteen Hardison; maternal grandmother Jennie Smith; paternal uncle Bobby Frost; maternal uncles Terry, Danny and Ricky Smith; and paternal cousin Shawn Graber.
Memorial donations may be made to the Debbie Garcia Benefit Fund at Century Bank of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 68, Gainesville, MO 65655.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.