Jennings Ryan Gainey

Jennings Ryan Gainey, 72, died suddenly on Friday July 29th, 2016. A native of Hartsville, SC, Ryan cultivated a keen interest of the natural world and its beauty through family and community mentors. He studied ornamental horticulture at Clemson and later received an honorary doctorate of letters from Coker college. After a stint in the navy, Ryan moved to Decatur, GA where he designed his home and gardens that have been featured in every major gardening publication in the US and abroad. Ryan flourished and nurtured his talent as an internationally known garden designer through lectures and his books The Well Placed Weed, The Well Set Table and most recently The Gathered Garden. Lest we not forget, Ryan was a father to his beloved jack Russell terriers, J.B, Leo and Baby Ruth. Ryan was predeceased by his parents Cecil Wilson Gainey and Ruth Catoe Gainey, and a brother Gerald W Gainey. He is survived by a brother Ronnie E Gainey (Vonda) of plant city, FL, sister Jennifer Gainey Sullivan of West Columbia, SC, brother Philip C Gainey (Lisa) of tybee island, Ga, 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 6 grand nieces and nephews, his cherished aunt jean Jordan and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ryan was a quintessential gift who taught us to transfix words, discover beauty and how to bloom in the garden that is our lives. Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Cherokee Garden Library at the Atlanta History Center. Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.