Ryan Phillip Ferreira, 26, of Franklin, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was the beloved son of Ryan A. Ferreira and Yeimi Alvarez.

Ryan was a proud new cadet with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and was excited to begin his career in law enforcement. He earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Southwestern Community College, a milestone he worked hard to achieve.

Ryan lived life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved the gym, good food, TV series, long sleeps, music, videogames, traveling, time at the gun range, cars, soccer, and football. He embraced every day fully and looked forward to the future with optimism and determination.

He is survived by his parents; stepfather, Luis Pascual; brother, Kevin Ferreira; sister, Leah Pascual; grandparents, Maria Parga, Santos Alvarez and Leticia Cruz Caro; cousins, Nicole Alvarez, Brett Dyer, Edwin Dyer, Nancy Alvarez, Ilse Alvarez, Irving Alvarez, Cely Alvarez, Christian Alvarez, Arath Alvarez, Ariana Alvarez, Karen Alvarez, Aranza Alvarez, Pepe Alvarez, Frida Alvarez, Anuar Alvarez; aunts, AleJandra Driskell, Sandra Pascual, Leticia Ferreira, AleJandra Ferreira, Leticia Alvarez; uncles, Marcelo TruJillo, Gonzalo Alvarez, Alberto Alvarez, JoseSantos Alvarez, and Carlos Alvarez. He also leaves behind many close friends—Diego Perez, Judith TruJillo, Marcelo TruJillo Jr., Brandon Severiano, Luis Ramirez, Eric Gosnell-Garcia, Michelle Garcia, Oscar Perdomo, Ixeni Torres, Kenya Soriano, Humberto Torres, and Gama Severiano—along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved him deeply.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cowee Baptist Church. Service will follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Jason Smith. Pallbearers will be Brandon, Brett, Diego, Marcelo, Kevin, Eric, Luis, and Luis Jose. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Ryan’s bright spirit, loyalty, and love for life will be forever remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Macon Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral cost.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.