C. Ryan Christian was an attorney at the Bradly Law firm.  Below is his Biography from the Bradly web site. 

 C. Ryan Christian
Associate

We mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, Ryan Christian, who tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident on March 25, 2024. His presence will be sorely missed in our Huntsville office and by friends throughout the firm. Read more about Ryan's legacy in his obituary.

Ryan Christian advises clients in the areas of mergers, acquisitions, securities law, and business operations, in addition to matters involving government contract, intellectual property, and technology issues.

With over a decade of experience in global security, management, litigation, and procurement, Ryan is a skilled contracts attorney and problem-solver focused on employing a team-driven approach to achieve effective legal solutions for his clients.

Prior to joining Bradley, Ryan served in the United States Army as both an Armor officer and attorney. He is a combat veteran with service in Afghanistan and a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal. After law school, he served in the JAG Corps as a prosecutor and an advisor to senior managers on disciplinary and regulatory compliance matters. Most recently, Ryan served as a government contracts attorney, where he advised executive and senior leaders on complex legal issues and provided business judgment advice in support of highly visible contracts for procurement and support of over $1 billion worth of Department of Defense products and services.

Education

Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2018,
Managing Editor, Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Thomas W. Beasley Scholar; Honor Council President

University of Alabama, B.S., 2010


Additional Life Stories…

Yes, Chad Ryan enjoyed his first duty station in Germany.  He enjoyed the culture and the people. He attended local churches, enjoyed local food, and celebrated local culture while wearing the traditional Bavarian Lederhosen every Oktoberfest. 

Once, on a short train ride to Oktoberfest Chad and his wife met one of the event organizers and became quick friends.  The friendship did not end there.  Upon arrival at the event the official invited Chad and Rachel to sit with him and enjoy the festivities from the officials table on the stage.  People always enjoyed having Chad around. 

During his trip to Pamplona, Spain Chad not only ran with the bulls, he partied with the Matadors. When he was young, we watched this Spanish tradition on TV and he boldly insisted “I’m going to do that one day. It looks like fun.”  In Spain while running with the bulls he of course dressed the part: white shirt, white pants, red scarf and red waistband.  That morning, he met several Matadors and runners who invited him to their after party.  He had the ability to befriend anyone by showing them respect and honor while having endless fun.  

Another example of his ability to befriend anyone is when he started law school at Vanderbilt Law School in Nashville, TN.  At an evening meet and greet for first year law students everyone brought drinks and snacks.  Some brought lite beer.  Chad brought several cases of Germany beer he had just brought back from Germany.  He was a big hit.  While he did not need the beer to get to know his fellow students, it certainly helped him make a positive first impression. They elected him leader of the first-year law class.  

He never talked about his Army awards and achievements; they were not important to him.  His parents were only made aware of his Bronze Star after his passing. However the incredible actions and sacrifices the awards represented for both him and his soldiers were never far from his thoughts.  

Chad Ryan experienced more in his short life than most experience living into old age. He made every experience rich, full and inspiring for everyone around him.  He loved deeply and was deeply loved.  He will always be missed.


Chad Ryan Christian was welcomed into Heaven on March 25, 2024, at the young age of 37. He
loved people and made a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Ryan was born on January 26,1987, in Huntsville, AL. He was second born in a family of five
siblings. His relationship with his brothers and sisters was inspiring – the love and closeness was
unrivaled. He wanted to share in their experiences, encourage their successes, and provide support
and insight into each of their lives at every opportunity. Throughout the years Ryan was often pivotal
to many special memories, including guarding little sisters who wanted to “camp outside” but didn’t
want to be alone, spending the day following points on a topographic map and learning orienteering
with his older brother, and traveling the world with his wife, mother, sisters, and younger brother.
He was home educated from kindergarten until attending college. Ryan studied piano from the age of
seven through high school. He was an accomplished pianist playing at many family, school, and
church events.
From a young age he loved to win. From sports and combat, to hunting and fishing, and debating at
national-level tournaments, he studied strategies and practiced endlessly to master a skill no matter
how great or small.
Ryan met his future wife Rachel through a mutual tutor when they were 14 and 15 years old.
The tutor, Mrs. Bond, held weekly French lessons at her home, which both of them attended.
Rachel recalls that Ryan was always very handsome. She admired how smart he was, and his
natural and genuine charisma.
All through-out high-school they kept intersecting, but never dated.
During Christmas 2009 Ryan came back to Huntsville from Tuscaloosa. One night, Ryan and Rachel
happened to be at the same mutual friend’s Christmas party.
Rachel left the Christmas party thinking nothing. But Ryan left the Christmas party determined.
For the next several weeks Ryan pursued Rachel, who was dating someone else.
Ryan’s natural need to win something important to him kicked in. And he informed Rachel that if she
went on a New Year’s eve trip with her then boyfriend (as she was planning on doing!) he would ask
out the next girl that walked by. This conversation happened in the Anthropologie at Bridge Street.
Rachel had been there shopping, and Ryan wanted to meet up.
Rachel could tell he was not kidding, and the years of building a friendship was the foundation she
needed to take him seriously. She knew he loved her and she loved him.
That weekend they both broke up with the people they were dating, and got married a few months
later in 2010. They’ve been inseparable ever since.
Ryan also volunteered for community and government events. After high school graduation he
interned for a Senator in Washington DC the summer before going to college.
Ryan attended the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa with a full business scholarship. He quickly
realized aspirations to serve his country and was awarded a full ROTC scholarship as well. During
college, Ryan stayed busy by volunteering at community events and working part time jobs as a
bouncer and bar tender. He loved meeting new people and was always welcomed into their lives.
After college graduation, Ryan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the United States
Army.
Ryan’s first duty station was in Germany. There he enjoyed the culture and, of course, the people. He
attended local churches, enjoyed local food, and celebrated local culture while wearing the traditional
Bavarian Lederhosen every Oktoberfest. During leave, he traveled to Pamplona, Spain with close
friends. Never just a spectator, Ryan immersed fully in the traditions of every country he visited and
ran with the bulls. It was also during this time that he planned and guided a trip to France for his mom
and younger siblings to tour Paris and the surrounding countryside.
In all Ryan and Rachel visited 35 countries together while living in Europe.
While stationed in Germany Ryan deployed to Afghanistan as the Platoon Commander of a rapid
response team. During each of his assignments during this combat deployment, he consistently
earned unwavering respect from his men.
He is a recipient of the Bronze Star, a Combat Action Badge, five Army Commendation Medals, two
Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign
stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, along with numerous other badges. He never talked about
these awards; they were not important to him. However, the incredible actions and sacrifices these
awards represented for both him and his soldiers were never far from his thoughts.
Several years later Ryan was selected for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) and
was accepted into Vanderbilt Law School in Nashville, TN. After graduation, he served in the JAG
Corps as a prosecutor and an advisor to commanders on disciplinary and regulatory compliance
matters.
After discharging from the Army, Ryan joined Bradley Law Firm as an adviser in the areas of
corporate and securities law, government contracts, intellectual property, and technology issues.
Ryan was an avid and skilled outdoorsman. He enjoyed and highly excelled at fishing and hunting.
Most recently, he began competing in the sport of darts and, as with most of Ryan’s
accomplishments, became proficient. Over the past year he had been participating and consistently
winning in local tournaments and at non-local, semi-professional competitions.
Ryan had a calming effect on those around him; he had a powerful and charismatic presence with a
confidence that drew others in and made them feel at ease and valued. Children ran to him
unprompted and quietly fell asleep in his arms. His all-encompassing hug, usually tempered with witty
humor, could brighten any trouble time. As a leader, he commanded with an ease and intellect that
inspired confidence from his soldiers and success as the outcome.
He had the unique ability to transform a mundane gathering into a celebration. He loved deeply and
was always ready to quietly help others, never expecting reward, recognition, or reciprocation.
His memory will be cherished and his presence deeply missed by those that knew him. His mother
and father could not be more proud of him or blessed to have been his parents.

He leaves behind his wife Rachel, his parents Robert and Marsha Christian (Huntsville, AL), brother
Alan Christian (Kristin) (Huntsville, AL), brother Tanner Christian (Claire) (Huntsville, AL), sister
Amanda Evans (John) (Huntsville, AL), sister Whitney Huynh (Huy) (Huntsville, AL), nephews Matthew,
Malachi and Henry, nieces Allie, Eleanor, Emily, Diana and Vivienne, his grandmother Judith Christian
Moon (Huntsville, AL), as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Ryan is preceded by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth Allison (Huntsville, AL), his
paternal grandfather, David Christian Jr. (Huntsville, AL).

Ryan really enjoyed fishing, and he was good at it.

Ryan really enjoyed saltwater fishing, and he was good at it.

Chad Ryan dancing with Nana, his maternal grandmother. 

Papa holding Chad at one of his birthday parties.

Tom E Allison (Papa, Chad’s maternal grandfather)

Tom E Allison (Papa, Chads maternal grandfather)

David C Christian, Jr (Granddaddy, Chad’s paternal grandfather)

David C Christian Jr,  Granddaddy, Chads paternal grandfather

David C Christian, Sr Headstone at 1401 10th Avenue, Memory Hill Gardens, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Garden of Devotion, Section 2, Lot 98, Space B1

David C Christian, Sr holding his son David C Christian, Jr, who is Chad Ryan's Grandfather'

Tuscaloosa Alabama newspaper article dated Monday, August 10, 1942.  David C Christian, Sr encourages other young men to join the US Marine Corps

David C Christian, Sr encourages other young men to join the US Marine Corps.

David C Christian, Sr in his U.S. Marine Corps uniform holding daughter Joyce

David C Christian, Sr in Marine uniform holding daughter Joyce

Chad Ryan Christian and Carl W Anderson holding up a Tennessee flag in Afghanistan

Alabama National Cemetery

Bradley announces that C. Ryan Christian has joined the firm’s Huntsville office as an associate in the firm’s Corporate & Securities , Government Contracts, and Intellectual Property Practice Groups.

The Battle Cry, Official Deployment Magazine of the 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade Oct 2011

This U.S. Army magazine includes photos of Chad’s brigade deployment to Afghanistan.  The photos show Chad actively engaged in his mission.  His confidence and optimism helped earn the respect of his leaders and his men.  While Chad was very photogenic, I did not expect to see more than a dozen photos of him in the magazine.  I love every one of them and I appreciate the U.S. Army for publishing these pictures.

The Battle Cry, Official Deployment Magazine of the 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade Oct 2011

One evening, while I was visiting Chad in Germany, Chad handed me a 20-page paper he had just finished on how the Army should tackle sexual assault in the military.  I proofread the paper and made no changes.  Chad was always a great writer and had no problems putting his thoughts on paper.  Chad sent the paper to his commander who forwarded it up the chain of command. It eventually made it to the desk of the commanding general in Europe who demanded it be published in the next issue of the Military Review, the professional journal of the U.S. Army. Chad worked with the publisher and named the article “Applying Principles of Counterinsurgency to the Fight Against Sexual Assault in the Military”.  It is interesting to me that among the articles written in the Nov-Dec 2013 issue were ones by Brig. Gens, PHDs, Maj Gens, and Lt Cols and this article written by 1st Lt Chad Ryan Christian.  I give credit to the US Army and Chad’s commanders for knowing when they have a good thing.  

Military Review Nov Dec 2013, Article by 1st Lt Chad Ryan Christian

Ryan really enjoyed fishing, and he was good at it.  He had several fully loaded tackle boxes and gear bags, and many saltwater and freshwater rods and reels in his collection.  One for every situation.  He found it challenging, relaxing, and satisfying.  

Also, see the post below when he and I went trout fishing in Kansas.   


Chad Ryan dancing with Nana, his maternal grandmother.  It’s easy to see why this was her favorite picture of Chad.  See the post below on Chad, the “Nana Whisperer.”

Chad Ryan’s Grandfathers
Chad Ryan was close to both of his grandfathers, David Christian Jr. (Granddaddy) and Tom Allison (Papa.)  The time they spent together laughing, playing and camping created great relationships.  Chad picked up much of his wit and humor from them, and Chad’s love of the outdoors started with the time he spent with them.  They went to most of his sports games and of course every birthday party.  They put a lot of thought into Chad’s birthday gifts.  Papa often made Chad wood carvings and walking sticks.  On one birthday, Granddaddy gave Chad a computer chess game.  Chad loved playing and beating that game.  It relaxed him.  He even took it to college with him.  To my knowledge he never got rid of it.  He also kept items Papa made for him.  So therein lies a challenge for all of us; giving gifts that a person treasures so much they keep and use them for the rest of their life.  A good way to strengthen a legacy.  Probably why Chad Ryan put so much thought into every gift he gave and enjoyed spending time with his family.  

David Cornelious Christian, Jr., (Grandaddy)
February 3, 1935 – January 24, 1993

Tom Evans Allison (Papa)
October 24, 1942 – February 13, 2023


Chad’s Paternal Great Grandfather
Chad Ryan did not have a chance to meet his paternal great grandfather who also served in the U.S. military.  David Cornelious Christian joined the U.S. Marines a few months after Pearl Harbor was attacked even though he had four kids at the time.  He also encouraged others to join, as seen in this Tuscaloosa Alabama newspaper article dated Monday, August 10, 1942.  He was a combat veteran who fought in the Pacific.  Chad was one of his five great grandsons who have served in the U.S. military.  I expect they all have a lot in common with their great grandfather.  After WWII ended David continued to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and for many years worked full time at the VA hospital serving veterans.  Unfortunately, these two pictures of him are the only ones that can be found and everyone who knew him is no longer around.  Remembering his legacy, and others, is the reason Veterans Legacy Memorial web sites are so important.  

April 23, 1910 – May 29, 1959
David Cornelious Christian, Sr 
PFC US Marine Corps
World War II
1401 10th Avenue, Memory Hill Gardens, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Section 2, Lot 98, Space B1


Chad Ryan Christian and Carl W Anderson are holding up a Tennessee flag in Afghanistan.   There are certainly no words up to the task of relaying adequate sympathies for the great loss of these two young men.  The world is a better place because they lived in it and their service to our country will always be remembered.  

Chad was born in Alabama but lived in Tennessee for 10 years before going to college.  He very much enjoyed the beautiful rolling hills on our farm in middle Tennessee.  

Carl W Anderson
Mar 9, 1984 - Jan 22, 2019
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE VETERANS CEMETERY

I found this cool shirt in Chad Ryan’s stuff.  Rule One Adventure Foundation is a Nonprofit organization getting Veterans and First Responders outdoors to prevent suicide. It’s located in Denver, CO.  Two of Chad Ryan’s lifelong friends are co-founders, Army Veterans and brothers, Nick Makowski, a Firefighter and Paramedic, and Dave Makowski, a Colorado State Trooper. They met their freshman year at Alabama and were house mates throughout college.   They were all in the ROTC program together.  

Rule 1 Always look cool.  


Chad was a big fan of the New Orleans Saints football team until he was deployed and the team refused to send anything to his guys for Christmas to remind them of home during their 12-month deployment.  After that he got rid of his Saints swag, at least I never saw him wear their gear again nor did he ever cheer for the Saints.  Instead, Chad sent us a list of 32 soldiers.  With the help of friends and family we packed and sent to Afghanistan a box of stuff with handwritten letters to each one of them and made sure the boxes were shipped in time for Christmas.  Chad’s actions always showed how much he cared for people. 

Chad and Dad when Chad was still a Saints fan

Chad and sister Amanda when Chad was still a Saints fan

Chad and brother Tanner when Chad was still a Saints fan

James Frazier from Saint Clair Shores, MI, wrote on Mar. 30, 2024
I am praying for you guys and I'll miss you, Chad.


Lorne Jensen from Calgary, Canada, wrote on Mar. 30, 2024
Robert and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to you.


Sandra Christian from Huntsville, wrote on Mar. 30, 2024
I have very fond memories of our nephew Chad. Nobody tried harder than Chad at everything he did. He had more influence during his short life than some people at age 75 and older. I credit his parents for raising such a fine, educated, Christian young man. They taught him manners and to be nice, kind, etc. Family, you should have no regrets about raising him and brothers and sisters communicating love to him. Uncle David and I love y'all.


Dayna Alexander from DE Soto, wrote on Mar. 31, 2024
Sorry to hear about your loss, cousin. I know it is hard to have to deal with losing someone you love very much, especially a child of yours! Hold on to the memories you shared. I will keep you, Marsha and family in my prayers. Love you all!


Janelle West from Vestavia Hills, wrote on Apr. 2, 2024
I have been praying for your family and will continue to ask for strength and healing. 


Kristie Preston from Huntsville, Alabama, wrote on Apr. 2, 2024
I’m going to miss you buddy! You were one of my favorites. I’m going to miss seeing you on the holidays and enjoying our long talks. Thank you for always being you. I love you bud! - love your cuz Kristie 


Barbara Christian Morse from Alabaster, Alabama, wrote on Apr. 3, 2024
I am so sorry Robert and Marsha. I've always loved all of you. I cannot imagine the pain. I pray for all of you to have peace and strength. Chad was my second cousin even though i never knew him, I am proud to know he is my family. Love Barbara.


Elizabeth (Parrow) Lambert wrote on Apr. 3, 2024
I was stunned to hear of Chad’s passing. I’ll always treasure the memories of all of us Christian, DeBardelaben, Shaver, and Parrow kids playing together. I’ll be holding space for all of you in my heart during this incredibly difficult time. 


Gary and Pam Parson from Northridge, CA, wrote on Apr. 4, 2024
Robert, Marsha and family. Our deepest condolences to you for your loss of your beloved Chad.

Chad Ryan, like all patriots, was deeply affected by the 9-11 attacks on our nation.  On this anniversary of the attacks, we remember the young men and women who left their families to join our nation’s military after the attacks.  They sacrificed so much for our freedoms.  The families endured their deployments and some never came home.  Many came home but no one was left unchanged.  We honor and remember all of those who served.  Chad Ryan was our beloved son, brother, and uncle.  He came home but was still taken too soon.  We will miss him always and remember the great love he demonstrated for his country and his family.

Chad reading a book to his niece Allie at the NYC public library

Chad holding his niece Allie while on a field trip to a fire station.

Chad Ryan loved dogs.  He grew up with them and always enjoyed having them around.  He and Rachel had a full blooded Cavapoo named Teddy (shown with Chad in the attached photo.) Chad loved to dress her up and take her on daily walks.  Teddy returned his love and was a service dog to Chad.  Years earlier, while in college, Chad brought home a Labrador mix that had been abandon.  The dog soon gave birth to 10 puppies.  Chad and the family found good homes for all the puppies, including the mom.  Chad and his house mates, Nick and Dave, kept one of the puppies.  Another one went to his sister, Whitney.  This one is still alive at 15 years old.  We also kept two of the puppies at home and Chad always enjoyed coming home to see them.   

Teddy with her Alabama Football.  Roll Tide Roll

Chad Ryan invested in those he loved.  He of course put a great deal of thought into birthday and Christmas gifts.  He also never missed Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, even scheduling flower deliveries in advance when he had to travel or deploy.  It was however the one-on-one dates nights that were the most special.  He unselfishly made time for his parents and siblings.  Once he took his mom to a live taping of Wheel of Fortune because he knew she would enjoy it.  His dates of course included dinner and souvenirs.  He took me, his dad, to the SEC basketball championship game in Nashville, TN.  The tickets alone were +$700.   We had perfect seats at center court and five rows up.  He also took me to several Alabama football games which are all day events.  We are both alumni, so we had lots to talk about and compare.  These times were not about the events however, and never about the money.  The events were simply opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.  He could have taken anyone; he had many friends.  Yet he set aside these times and created unforgettable memories of a lifetime.  He did the same with his brothers and sisters.  He took Alan to football games and fishing trips. He found a café for swing dancing when Whitney and Tanner were touring Paris with him. They danced most of the night and had him for protection.  When spending time with Amanda in NYC he even made time to read children’s books to his niece Allie at the library.  Chad was definitely a people person who invested in his family, and we will always cherish these memories.  

Chad and Mom date night, at Wheel of Fortune

Chad was honored to be the one to cut the cake.  

On May 8, 2010, Chad was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.  Friends and family attended the ceremony and celebrations at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Chad cutting the cake at the commissioning party with his fellow 2nd LTs

The ROTC graduating class and leaders at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa in May2010

In May 2010, Chad Ryan graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance.  Friends and family joined him in the celebrations in Tuscaloosa Alabama.

David, Rachel, Chad and Whitney after the graduation ceremony from the University of Alabama

Chad and Dad, at the graduation from the University of Alabama in May 2010

It's possible that one of the boys in the photo is actually the young man Chad meets years later as the Uber driver referenced in the post below.  

Look under the Historical Documents tab for more pictures and an article Chad wrote published in Military Review.  

Chad Ryan had a great relationship with his Nana and Papa.  They loved him and would do anything for him, and he spent a lot of time with them.  Visiting with Chad always put a smile on their faces.  In her later years, Nana’s biggest fear was dying alone in a nursing home.  Chad was not going to let that happen.  The family visited her regularly, but Chad and his older brother Alan visited her the most.  The family called Chad the “Nana Whisperer” because he could get Nana to do anything, like take her drugs, eat her food, do her physical therapy, or just be nice to her nurses.  It was Chad and Alan who sat at her bedside all night, holding her hands, on her last night on this earth.  She knew they were there.  They made the difference.  


Graduating from Law School to Serve in the JAG Corps

From a very young age Chad Ryan wanted to be a soldier and an attorney.  He achieved both.  He worked hard for many years preparing for these achievements.  From high-school and college to his early years in the Army, Chad prepared for a career in law.  His graduation from Vanderbilt Law School on May 11, 2018, was a special time for him and his entire family.  He ranked in the top 4% of his graduating class and later scored in the top 1% nationally on the bar exam.  He celebrated these achievements with his family and friends.  


Graduating from Law School to Serve in the JAG Corps

After years of studying taekwondo for self-defense Chad Ryan’s younger brother Tanner earned a blackbelt.  To Celebrate Tanner’s accomplishments and with a heart as big as his sense of humor Chad gave his brother brass knuckles and a pistol.  Then spent quality time together at the gun range learning to shoot and more self-defense techniques.  Chad loved deeply and protected those he loved.  

CHAD RYAN CHRISTIAN

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AFGHANISTAN

PERSIAN GULF

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

US ARMY,

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