Kirk Almon Ryder

Kirk Almon Ryder, age 83, was finally freed from his long battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) and gained his angel wings on Friday, Feb, 13th, 2026. Kirk’s twinkling blue eyes, dimples, friendly personality, and sense of humor drew you in and never let you go. He never knew a stranger and was a welcome addition to any gathering, whether it be a tailgate, barbecue, beach vacation, black tie fundraiser, or holiday with family and friends. He loved his weekly tennis matches, fly fishing, a dry martini or manhattan, the occasional pipe or cigar, and most importantly, his patient, kind, caring, and devoted wife, Lucy Reavis Carter. 

In addition to his beloved and steadfast wife Lucy, Kirk is survived by daughter Rebecca Ryder Chivis (Charles), son Kirk Almon Ryder, Jr, and stepsons Scott Wesley Carter (Alicia), Christopher Thomas Carter (Kelly), grandsons Kirk Jackson Glembin, Jack Harrison Glembin, Wesley John Carter, Lincoln Thomas Carter, sister in law Margaret Reavis and sons Mat Logsdon (Carrie) and Charlie Logsdon, and niece Shannon Dodds (Ben). Kirk is also survived by his longtime caregivers Bernadette Tinney and Annette Lipsett, without whom this journey would have been intolerable. He is predeceased by his parents, Ethel Wyse Ryder and Almon James Ryder, and his brother, Larry George Ryder (Mary). 

Kirk was a lifelong supporter of hospice in general and served on and chaired the Board of Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. He has the dubious distinction of being kicked out of hospice 4 times before this 5th and final journey. The entire family is so grateful for their services over the years. Visitation will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Green Hills, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org), Alive Hospice (alivehospice.org), or Calvary United Methodist Church (cavalryumc.com).

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, 1098 Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663, www.bondmemorial.com