The heavenly choir gained the most beautiful tenor voice on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. James Rhyan Ussery was born on January 10, 1987, to Jan Casper Ussery and the late Gary Boyd Ussery at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia. As an only child, Rhyan was truly the center of his parents’ world and was deeply loved from the very beginning.
Rhyan was a 2005 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He continued his education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of North Georgia before answering the call to serve his country. In 2013, Rhyan joined the United States Marine Corps, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and completed multiple overseas deployments. Following his military service, he attended Valdosta State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also became a licensed gunsmith, a skill that reflected both his precision and his passion.
On November 23, 2024, Rhyan married the love of his life, Tabitha Amy Ussery. Together, they built a marriage full of laughter, adventure, and love. Tabitha brought a sense of peace and joy into Rhyan’s life that he treasured every moment they spent together.
From a young age, Rhyan’s faith was the foundation of his life. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of seven, joining Arbor Baptist Church, and from that moment on, his love for Christ never wavered. He shared his faith openly and sincerely with everyone he met, always hoping to “make Heaven crowded.” It’s easy to imagine Rhyan now at the Pearly Gates, still asking the many “why” questions he was so well known for. It’s safe to say that Job, Moses, Noah, and Jonah have already been thoroughly questioned.
Rhyan had a rare gift for connecting with others—he never met a stranger and would talk to anyone. He loved deeply, and if he loved you, you knew it without a doubt. He carried no grudges; once something was over, it was truly behind him, and you would never hear about it again. He forgave quickly and prayed about everything. He often reminded us that “words matter,” a simple truth he lived out daily. If you spent any amount of time talking with Rhyan, you could count on two things coming up in conversation—his love for Jesus and his passion for firearms. He shared both with enthusiasm and sincerity, always eager to connect.
Rhyan was truly one of a kind. God broke the mold with him—something he would proudly remind his cousin Carla of, often insisting he was actually older, despite her having been born first. This playful debate became a favorite tradition at family gatherings.
Rhyan will be missed most deeply by his family. He was known for blessing meals with heartfelt (and often very thorough) prayers, sometimes naming every dish and every person present. Everything Rhyan did, he did with passion—from collecting, refurbishing, and shooting firearms to proudly wearing his favorite “color,” camouflage. He even had a soft spot for Scooby-Doo, a detail that perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit.
Rhyan was a proud member of American Legion Post 99 and carried his sense of service and brotherhood with him throughout his life.
In addition to his father, Rhyan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Casper, and his great-aunt, Robbie Connelly.
Left to cherish his memory are the most important women in his life—each of whom he reminded often of their beauty and worth: his wife, Tabitha Amy Ussery; his mother, Jan Casper Ussery; and his grandmother, Betty Casper.
He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Joey and Amy Peacock; grandmothers-in-law, Shirley Manning and Mary Peacock; his uncles and aunts, Jim and Debbie Casper, Joe and Betty Manning, Ricky Peacock, Donald and Becky Mixon, and Robbie and Angie Denison; cousins, Casey (BJ) Rodgers and Carla (Clint) Revels, Will Rodgers, Cason Revels, and Caroline Revels; sister-in-law, Katlynn (Jamie) McCartney; brother-in-law, Zachary Peacock; nephew, Jayme McCartney; and nieces, Jane and Katie McCartney.
Pallbearers will be BJ Rodgers, Clint Revels, Jamie McCartney, Zachary Peacock, Joseph Manning, Brian Hendley, Will Rodgers, and Cason Revels. Honorary pallbearers will be the Arbor Baptist Church RAs.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Paulk Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22, at 4:00 PM in Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. A graveside service will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Joseph Manning. Military honors will be rendered.
At the request of Tabitha and Jan, those attending are invited to dress casually in camouflage, green, or Scooby-Doo themed clothing, in honor of Rhyan’s unique personality and the things he loved most.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald is in charge of arrangements.