The Birmingham community is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Ryan Whaley, an Alabama Power employee remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, and the light he brought into every room he entered. News of his passing has devastated loved ones, coworkers, and friends who describe him as a man of deep character, unwavering generosity, and sincere compassion.
Ryan’s wife, Hayden McCain Whaley, shared an emotional message that reflected both her sorrow and the profound love she has for him. “My sweet Ryan is in the arm’s of Jesus. My whole world just shattered and I don’t know how I’ll even move forward,” she wrote. In her tribute, she described Ryan as someone everyone loved, someone who made the world brighter simply by being in it. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for family, friends, first responders, and Alabama Power, who stood by her during what she called the longest and most difficult hours of her life. Her plea was simple and raw: “Please, please pray for me and my sweet babies.”
Ryan was known not just for his work ethic but for the genuine goodness that defined him. His colleagues admired him, not only for his professionalism but for his warmth and ability to lift others up. Among those honoring him was friend and coworker Matthew Michael Allen, who wrote, “My heart hurts so bad. I don’t even know how to process it. Ryan was a great employee but what made him special was how great of a person he was.” He added that he would never forget Ryan and urged the community to keep his wife and children in their prayers at this unimaginably painful time.
Those who knew Ryan speak of a man devoted to his family, grounded in his faith, and unwavering in the way he cared for those around him. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, and his absence will be deeply felt across Birmingham, at Alabama Power, and within the circles of people whose lives he touched effortlessly.
As the community mourns, one truth stands out clearly: Ryan Whaley lived a life of impact. His warmth, integrity, and love for others will continue to be remembered, honored, and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.