Obituary of Ryan Unger

Ryan Michael Unger, 45, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away August 20, 2021.  Ryan was born May 31, 1976 to Michael Unger and Dana Lynn Heathman Unger.

Ryan was raised by his mother Dana Ballinger and his stepfather Michael Ballinger from the age of two. Michael was instrumental in helping him hone his mechanical skills. The two rebuilt a 1969 Camaro from front to rear and Ryan learned a lot about car parts. The family traveled extensively and lived in St. Louis, MO, Roanoke, VA and Pickerington, Ohio where he graduated from high school.  Ryan was working as an auto parts salesman for George Moore Chevrolet in Jacksonville, FL before his illness.  He was also a very talented artist and had won first place when he was in college in Springfield where his illustration was used on the front cover of the school art book.  He also drew a school mascot for his college in Ohio and it was displayed on a local billboard. 

Ryan was preceded in death by his mother, Dana Ballinger and maternal grandparents Toot and Leonard Heathman, and an uncle, Jim Heathman.

He is survived by his father Michael Unger; stepfather Mike Ballinger of Buford, GA and his wife Nancy; long time significant other, Hope Morgan and her children, Caleb Morgan and Cheyenne Kramer; siblings, Christopher Ballinger, Pickerington, Ohio, Eric Ballinger, Etna, Ohio; uncles Ron Heathman and wife Mary of Mexico and Jeff Heathman and wife Sherry of Moberly; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A prayer service will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.  A private inurnment celebration will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Moberly, MO.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65202.

Pathway Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.