Thomas Ryan Tallent

Thomas Ryan Tallent, known to most as Ryan, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 46. Born on June 13, 1979, he lived a life full of laughter, loud music, and Marlboro Reds — just the way he liked it.

Ryan was married to the love of his life, Lauren McEachern Tallent, for over 25 years. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, grit, and a whole lot of girl power. Though he tried to act tough, his daughters were the only soft spot he never bothered to hide: Kaitlin (Jacob) Reed, Riley Tallent, and Laney Tallent. He also leaves behind two grandsons, Collin and Keaton Reed, who lit up his world.

He is survived by his parents, Candy Parks Ford and Tommy (Shawn) Tallent, and his sister, Joyanna (David) West — along with his niece and nephew, Georgia and Cage Edwards.

A proud TVA employee, Ryan made his career close to home and made friends that lasted a lifetime. He loved the simple things: time on the water, a good bowfishing trip, and swapping stories about “back in the day.” If he wasn’t on the phone with a buddy, he was probably in the garage with one — elbow-deep in some broken-down “toy” he swore he was just about to fix.

Ryan was one of a kind. He was real, loyal, stubborn in all the best ways, and had a heart that showed up when it mattered most. If you knew him, you loved him — and chances are, he loved you right back in his own way (probably with a joke and a glass of sweet tea).

He will be missed more than words can say, and remembered every time we hear a country song too loud, smell cigarette smoke, or see a boat that needs “just one more part.”

Please share your memories and photos of Ryan on his online guest register at www.vanderwall.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN, where they will receive friends on Friday, August 8, 2025, after 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home parlor.