Ryan Sammons of Louisa passes away suddenly

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

A well-loved Lawrence County man passed away Friday, Jan. 31, leaving the community shocked and heartbroken.

Ryan Sammons 42, of Louisa, began his teaching career at Louisa East Elementary in 2017, before becoming a teacher at the Lawrence County High School, he also served as the LCHS Golf coach for both boys and girls teams.

He was a school bus driver for the district and participated in the annual Louisa East Elementary School Safety Patrol trips.

He was the husband of Louisa Middle School Principal, Kristy Sammons and the father of two daughters, Jenna Sue and Lauren Kate.

LEES Principal Eddie Dixon paid tribute to Sammons saying he will always remember him from the time Sammons was his student in school until the time they were colleagues in the school system. I still don’t want to believe it,” said Dixon. “From my beginning in Lawrence County in 1998, Ryan and I became closer than just the student I taught and football player I helped to coach.  As I coached freshmen basketball in 98-99 and 8th grade basketball the following year, he traveled with us and kept book and statistics. Over the years, there are so many experiences and memories that we shared.  I’ve been blessed to be able to work with him daily at The East and cherish those times.  He was an amazing mentor to our young people at school, church, and in the community. He was the best chaperone on our safety patrol trips-there is a quarter on the USS Wisconsin where only he and I know where it is located (we placed it there in 2023 and it was still there last year in 2024).  I was lucky to play countless rounds of golf with him, and loved playing cards, basketball, and pickle ball with him. He was always up for an adventure or trip and we would all be better because he was a part of it!  Ryan was the most well-rounded person I have ever known, a true Renaissance man.  He could do anything and would help anyone, as he helped me and family so many times!  He loved his family, Kristy and the girls, and they were the subject of countless conversations when it was just me and him.”  

LC Superintendent Katie Webb prepared a statement saying it was with profound sadness that she had to share the news of the passing one of the school districts own.

“This heartbreaking news weighs heavily on us all,” stated Webb. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family. Please remember that we support our students and staff during this challenging time. Our guidance counselors will be available to offer grief counseling to those struggling with the loss. Let us keep the Sammons family in our thoughts and prayers as thet face these difficult days to come. Once again, together as a strong community, we will support one another through this very difficult time.

LC High School Principal Wrendi McDavid also paid tribute to Sammons as she shared her thoughts.

“To say this man was loved and respected by everyone that knew him is an understatement. His positivity and humor was unmatched! He was an incredible role model to those around him. I hope we all can spread happiness and kindness as he did day in and day out. Please pray for his precious family, our staff, and our students in the days to come,” stated McDavid.

There will be no school in Lawrence County on Wednesday, according to a release from the school system: “In honor of our beloved teacher, bus driver, and coach, Ryan Sammons, and out of respect for his family and loved ones, there will be no school on Wednesday, Feb. 5. A significant number of our staff and students will be attending the funeral services and the absence of staff poses safety and operational challenges. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, at First Baptist Church of Louisa. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery-East, Louisa. Services under direction of Wilson Funeral Home, Louisa.

In lieu of flowers, a fund through First State Bank of Louisa has been opened for his daughters named the Jenna and Lauren Sammons Scholarship Fund.