Specialist Samuel Huston Ryder, age 23, born April 4, 2001, passed away on October 8, 2024, while serving in the United States Army at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.

Sam graduated from James River High School in June of 2020 and enlisted in the United States Army as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember in November. Sam was stationed at Fort Sill, OK for several years with deployments to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA and the Republic of Korea. In April 2024 Sam reenlisted and was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Sam’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Sam was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Medina of Richmond, VA;and his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Susan LaFountain of Hot Springs, VA. He is survived by his brother, Gabriel Medina; his stepfather, Miguel Medina, his aunt and uncle, Julie and Geoff Emery; his Special Friends, Matt and Aleka Bambacus O’Berry, Tristan and Julian O’Berry; his father, Paul Ryder; his paternal grandparents, Eddie and Peggy Ryder; his uncle, Reed Ryder; and his cousin, Alan Fadorick.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm, with a prayer service at 7:30 pm, at Bliley’s – Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road in Richmond, VA. Sam will be laid to rest next to his mother and grandparents on Saturday, November 16″, 2024 at 1 pm at Union Chapel Cemetery in Hot Springs, VA with Full Military Honors.

Sam loved fishing, the outdoors, skateboarding and will be remembered for his dedication and love to Family, Friends, and Cats as well as his Service to his Country.