Ryan Neal Dulling, of Oliver Springs

Passed away on August 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 38.

At the center of Ryan’s world was his family. He loved Jenna deeply and treasured the life they built together, but perhaps nothing brought him greater joy than being a dad to Carson and Vivian. Ryan loved making memories with the people he loved most. Whether he and Jenna were traveling together, the four of them were setting off on a family adventure, or they were simply enjoying the everyday moments that made their life together theirs. For Ryan, it was never just about where they went or what they did; it was about being together. Jenna, Carson, and Vivian were his greatest joy, and being their husband and dad was the role he cherished most.

Those who knew Ryan will remember a man of extraordinary joy and kindness. He had a remarkable ability to make the person he was speaking with feel like they were the only person in the room. He was intentional with his time, generous with his care, and genuinely interested in the lives of others. Ryan didn’t simply bring joy into a room, he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. He was truly one of a kind, and his impact will live on through the countless people whose lives were better because they knew him.

Ryan carried that same sense of purpose and compassion into his professional life. From 2013 to 2018, he worked at Tennessee Sports Medicine before beginning the next chapter of his career with Foothills Physical Therapy and Summit Bodywork in 2018, where he would eventually become an owner.

For Ryan, his work was never simply a profession. He deeply loved what he did and the people he was privileged to serve. His patients were far more than names on a schedule; they became dear friends and an extended family whom Ryan cared for deeply, both personally and professionally. He celebrated their progress, listened to their stories, and invested in them with the same intentionality that characterized every part of his life.

The staff of Foothills Physical Therapy and Summit Bodywork also held a special place in Ryan’s heart. His colleagues and team were part of his family, and the relationships he built there meant more to him than words can adequately express. The family wishes to recognize and thank Ryan’s staff, colleagues, and patients for the friendship, trust, and love they shared with him throughout the years.

Ryan found joy in both life’s big adventures and its familiar traditions. He was an avid Tennessee football fan and a loyal Boston Red Sox fan, loved snow skiing, and treasured a good Friday night at Señor Taco. He loved traveling, whether it was a special trip to Hawaii with Jenna or an adventure with the entire family. More than any particular destination, game, or tradition, though, Ryan loved sharing those experiences with the people closest to him. For Ryan, the best memories were always the ones made together with the ones he loved most.

Ryan is survived by his beloved wife, Jenna Dulling; his children, Carson Dulling and Vivian Dulling; his brother, Brady Travis Dulling; his sister, Crysten Faith Dulling; his brother-in-law, Eddie Stephenson, his grandmother, Barbara Matney; Courtney and Ben Briley; Steve and Cheryl Sanders; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and patients who loved him dearly.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Johnny Matney.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Click Funeral Home on Middlebrook Pike. A service celebrating Ryan’s life will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. In honor of Ryan’s beloved Tennessee Vols and Boston Red Sox, attendees are encouraged to wear apparel of those teams or the team colors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Ryan’s memory consider contributing to custodial accounts established for Carson and Vivian to support their futures. For information on contributing, please contact Jordan Brantley-Prewitt at jorprew@gmail.com.

Ryan’s life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the joy and kindness he gave so freely. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but the love, laughter, compassion, and care he gave to others will remain a part of his legacy for years to come.

Click Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Dulling Family.