Obituary of Ryan Douglas Cramer

Ryan Douglas Cramer died on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Agape Hospice House of Lexington, surrounded by a group of friends that few people can dream of. 

He was born on April 29, 1986 in Columbia, S.C. to Robert and Elizabeth Cramer, nee Geraty. Ryan attended Dutch Fork Schools and was well known among staff and students as one that would never be forgotten which is undoubtably a euphemism for “a handful”. He was quite proud of that! 

He was a parishioner at Our Lady of The Hills Catholic church where he was also proud of wearing Father Fix down until he became the youngest Altar Server they had ever allowed. He even insisted on being the cross bearer which was twice his size! It was no surprise that his Scout leader once said he could argue a statue down! 

Ryan had a passion for cooking, especially gourmet fare. He started in the business at 16 and persevered until he was hired by some of the best known, high end dining establishments in the Vista. He was in the position of Executive Sous Chef at Divino Rosso until he became too ill to work. He cherished his bosses and work family. 

His second passion from a very early age was animals of every variety including exotics. Along with the cats and dogs, there was a pair of Prairie Dogs, a Sugar Glider, and dozens of snakes, lizards and frogs. His obsession with herpetology led to two beloved Bearded Dragons, both boys, we thought, until Cosmo was found laying eggs. Sixty days later, fifty-nine babies hatched that were successfully raised until mature enough to sell.  

All who knew Ryan knew his sarcastic witty humor, love of fun and lack of fear. He never shied from mayhem when with his gang. His gift for getting away with mischief was legendary. He loved hard and had a heart bigger than life. He will be missed by so many. 

Ryan was preceded in death by his beloved dad, Rob Cramer, his maternal grandparents, Ed and Dorothy Geraty, his paternal grandfather, Ed Grau, and his uncles, Dan Geraty, Dick Geraty, and Ed Taylor, a special cousin, Adam Taylor as well as his treasured English Bulldog, Sydney. 

He is survived by his mother and her partner, Ronnie Stone, paternal grandmother, Rose Grau and aunts, Kathy Geraty, Sue DeLuca (Gregg), Nancy Loren (Clinton), Ann Geraty (Lyle), and Maria Geraty, as well as Uncle Zane Cramer and several cousins. 

He also leaves “children”, Tiko his pet Racoon and Artemis his Lizard, and a group of friends that have been in his life over 20 years and were there every one of the final days: Ashleigh, Lauren, Miller, Nalbone, Sean, Brawley and Lindsay, Steven, Bird, Beetle, J.Dub, Bubba, McDaniel, Ashlin, D-Rock and Nate. A true gift of love was given. 

A private prayer and ceremony will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at his father’s Columbarium followed by a Celebration of Life from 4-7 p.m. at the Cedar Cove Clubhouse located on Willowood Parkway in the Cedar Cove neighborhood in Chapin. 

Directions: 

Dutch Fork Road through Ballentine into White Rock. Pass the Lowman Home on the left. At the next light, turn left on Three Dog Road. Take the second left on Willowood Parkway. The Clubhouse will be on the right by the tennis courts. Parking is available. 

Any donations in Ryan’s memory can be made to Carolina Wildlife Center located at 5551 Bush River Road would be appreciated. Here is a link to their website - https://carolinawildlife.org/donate/

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.