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George "Ryan" Place

October 20, 1964 ~ August 19, 2023

RED OAK – George “Ryan” Place, age 58, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was born in Johnston County, NC on October 20, 1964. He was preceded in death by his father, William Milton Place. Ryan was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to both his country and his career. Ryan's journey began with his pursuit of knowledge, earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Western Carolina and a master’s in accounting from East Carolina University. With his strong educational background, he became a highly accomplished Certified Public Accountant, following in the footsteps of his family for three generations. In addition to his academic achievements, Ryan proudly served his country in the North Carolina Army National Guard, specifically as a member of the HHC of the 5th Battalion of the 113th Field Artillery Regiment. His dedication and commitment to his country and career continued as he would serve 32 years with the NCNG United States Property and Fiscal Office Division of Internal Review. Ryan was proud not of his accomplishments but the relationships and friendships that he developed during his time there. Before retiring, Ryan served as the Chief of the Internal Review Division. Ryan was not only passionate about his career, but he also had a deep love for the outdoors. He found solace and excitement in activities such as riding dirt-bikes and fishing along the inter-coastal waterways. Additionally, he was an ardent fan of football, spending Friday nights for his son, Nicholas’ senior year with the chain crew (commonly known as the "chain gang"), never missing the opportunity to watch a good game. These hobbies provided him with a well-deserved break from his professional responsibilities and allowed him to embrace the beauty of nature and the thrill of sports. While Ryan's achievements and passions were significant, his true treasure was his family. Among them, his grandson, Landon held a special place in his heart. Ryan adored Landon, cherishing every moment they spent together and considering him the apple of his eye. Their bond was a source of immense joy and happiness for Ryan. Throughout his life, Ryan's quiet faith guided his actions and shaped his character. He approached life with humility, kindness, and a giving spirit. These qualities radiated from him, touching the lives of those around him and making him a cherished presence in both his personal and professional circles. Ryan's story is one of dedication, service, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. His contributions to his country, his profession, and his loved ones will forever be remembered and celebrated. Ryan is survived by his cherished bride of 32 years, Nicole Altman Place; his sons, Daniel Ryan Place of AL and Nicholas William Place and wife, Makayla, of Nashville; his grandson, Landon Ryan Place; his mother, Lena Mae Tabor Place of Wake Forest; his brother, Dale R. Place and wife, Lisa, of Louisburg; his nephew, Matthew B. Place and wife, Spencer, of Louisburg; his niece, Maghan P. Walker and husband, Charlie, of Wendell; his great-nephew, Briggs Walker; his cousins, Robbie and April Place and Janet and Tom Fuller and both of their families; and special friends, Beth Carrico, and all of his colleges from the North Carolina National Guard. A Special Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ryan’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

 

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  1. Ryan was an incredible person. Someone who truly cared about each and every person. He was a coworker but also a special friend.
    I’m grateful you’re free of suffering and finally with the Lord Savior. Rest in peace Ryan.

  2. In memory of a great man, Ryan Place. His good nature, honesty and integrity displayed were remarkable. But his love of his family was even stronger!

  3. Rest in Heavenly Peace Ryan. You were a great friend and co-worker. You were always so kind and you lit up when you talked about your wonderful family. I know your grandson brought you so much joy. Prayers for all of Ryan’s family and friends. May God provide strength during this time of grief.

    Donna Cronin

  4. Rest in peace my friend. So many great memories with you at work and at the range with the boys. Nicole, I know you will miss him but he suffers no more. Prayers for strength and comfort.

  5. To the best brother, brother-in-law, uncle in the whole wide world and the best son. We loved you so much!!!

  6. One of my best friends ever…May you rest in peace Ryan. My sympathies to Nicole and her family and to lifelong friend and Ryans brother Dale and family. My heart is broken, but Heaven gains an angel for sure!!!

  7. I am so saddened by this news
    This is a family that has always demonstrated Gods great love
    Thinking of all of you and praying for your comfort

  8. Nicole & family, I am so sorry for your earthly loss! Sending prayers to the entire Place family for peace & comfort & strength! 🙏🏻♥

  9. I’m so saddened to read this. Nicole, I’ll be keeping you and the boys in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏❤️

  10. Nicole Altman Place, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Praying for you and your family! 🙏

  11. I am so incredibly saddened to read this. Nicole, Daniel & Nicholas, sending abundant love and prayers to each of you. 🙏

  12. Oh no Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss! Keeping you, the boys, and the rest of your family in my prayers!!

  13. I knew Ryan and we became friends many years ago working for the NC National Guard. I had the pleasure of working directly with Ryan when he was the USPFO-NC Supervisory Auditor from 2016 through 2018. Ryan was a great supervisor and co-worker and respected member of the USPFO team and the NC National Guard. Ryan was a good friend, a very accomplished and competent auditor, as well as a recognized leader and mentor for many. Brigadier General Jeff Copeland

  14. This truly breaks my heart, such a wonderful family. I am so very sorry. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏❤️

  15. A wonderful man with a wonderful family. I enjoyed every minute talking football with him. I am so sorry…

  16. To Ryan’s family, I am so very sorry you have lost your husband, father & Grandfather. I worked with Ryan at the USPFO for over 20 years. Always happy & smiling. He loved talking about his family especially his boys. He was truly a good friend. He will be missed by many. I know I will always remember him & his smiling face. I pray God will give you all peace & comfort in the days ahead. My heart hurts for all of you. There will never be another one like Ryan. He was truly one of a kind.

  17. At WCU, Ryan and I were avid Gin Rummy opponents. He and my husband lived together so, at night, after our class work was complete of course, we three would play. Ryan was a horrible winner! He beat me 99.9% of the time. Most of the time, his winning move would be to pick up all the cards in the discard pile, in his very Eastern NC twang, shout SCOOOOP, and go out to win the game. I love Ryan Place so much and am very proud to call him my good friend. I know where he is and I will see him again! I know that God is granting His comfort and peace to all of Ryan’s beautiful and dear friends. God is good!

  18. Rest on my Friend
    You will be dearly missed.
    You were a true leader and friend!
    I will cherish all the memories and sports talked we enjoyed.
    Darren

  19. He didn’t present a negative thought.
    He Always smiled.
    He Always made it his business to check on you (personally & professionally).

    Thank you for the advice (Good & Bad). Thank you for the companionship. I’m Thankful for the opportunity of knowing you. Our personal conversations about life and future plans will NEVER be forgotten. This is hard for me, but I Thank GOD there’s No More Suffering for You.

    Mr. Ryan Place, you will TRULY be missed.

  20. Nicole my thoughts and prayers go out to you, Daniel and Nicholas. I am so very sorry. May God hold you close in his arms.

  21. I first met Ryan years ago when I worked in the Inspector Generals Office and I needed his help with some Finance Records on various cases I was working. From the first day I met Ryan he has always been a great friend and someone who loved life and was very passionate about his family and our Organization (NCARNG). Ryan was someone that if you were having a bad day he could somehow always cheer you up. He was a great mentor to so many. I will keep him and his family in my prayers for the many days to come.

    John 16:22 “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”

  22. Ryan was the Signal Officer at Louisburg when I joined the unit in the early 90’s. We served several years together there, he was a true leader, mentor and great guy. He always had time to listen and was a strong tactical and technical Soldier, he taught us all a lot. We both worked full time for the Guard for decades and spent many lively hours re-telling ‘war stories’ from our time in Louisburg, I will miss him a lot. Rest in peace my friend.

  23. In deepest sympathy on your loss. A grateful nation shares in your grief. Weave in faith and God will find the thread…

    SSG George Riley
    USMC/USA, Ret.

  24. Ryan we can not thank you enough for the joy you brought to our lives. You will truly be missed.

  25. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

  26. My friend, you will be missed. You were such a great friend to everyone at the USPFO. You made everyone feel so comfortable. Your easy going ways and your common sense approach were one of a kind. So glad our paths crossed in this life. You were so special.


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