Ryan "Mooky" Lee Black

Ryan "Mooky" Lee Black, 41, of Thomasville, North Carolina, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday evening, March 24, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Born on May 23, 1983, in Guilford County, Ryan was the beloved son of Randy Lee Black and Angie Byerly Black. He demonstrated extraordinary strength, both in his physical abilities and unwavering faith in God. A graduate of East Davidson High School, Mooky was a gifted athlete, excelling in wrestling and most notably soccer, where he was awarded All-Conference honors in 1999 and earned a position on the Varsity team as a freshman. He later found his true passion for weightlifting and bodybuilding, where he earned a Top 10 national ranking in the NPC Super Heavyweight division — a testament to his discipline, dedication, and perseverance.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Mooky was a "gentle giant," known for his kind and caring heart. His unwavering loyalty and devotion to family and friends made him deeply cherished by all who knew him. With guidance from his father, Randy, he dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized on June 8, 1997, at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church, where he remained a lifelong member. He also served his community as a lifeguard and worked for many years at his family’s convenience store, Randy’s Mart #2.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randy Lee Black, and his paternal grandparents, Lloyd "Sodge" Black and Irene Black.

He is survived by his loving mother, Angie Byerly Black of Thomasville, North Carolina; his sister, Carly Black Himel, and her husband, Charles Duval Himel, of Charleston, South Carolina; his maternal grandparents, Gary and Brenda Byerly; his beloved dog, Sugar; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who cherished him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Luke Jackson and Rev. Dr. E. Keith Carroll. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church, 222 Mt. Zion Church Road, Thomasville, NC 27360.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jcgreenandsons.com

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