Ryan Shayne Dougay

June 7, 1977 - July 1, 2022

Ryan Shayne Dougay, better known as “Stymie” by his family and close friends, was a very unique, one of a kind, and very special young man. He did things his own way from the time he was born. As a new mother, Ryan’s mother, Milly was anxious to cuddle her precious newborn tightly in her arms but found that Ryan was not content to be held that way.  Rather he had to be held up on her chest with his head up! And, while most newborns sleep most of the day and night, baby Ryan would only sleep during the night, but only because he was exhausted.

Ryan was always a fun loving and adventurous child with so much energy, which continued through his adulthood. He was a true outdoorsman, and athlete who loved the water, boating, water skiing, wake surfing and had recently travelled to Mexico to surf. He loved camping in the wild, hiking, snowboarding, and snow skiing.  Ryan was also an avid runner, and later a cyclist in his adult years.

The love that Ryan had for bicycles today, began when he was just a toddler. As a little guy, he loved “Hot Wheels” which he would ride so hard, brake hard and fast, turn circles, and would literally wear the hard plastic off parts of the tire. They would go “clump, clump” as the big holes came around when he peddled, which always called for a new one!  He went from a bike with training wheels as a toddler and continued to upgrade until he got to a nicer big bike at 12 years old, which he loved to ride, and he entered a race on Pleasure Island. Ryan was the only young person racing, all the others were men from their 20’s on up to 50’s, but that did not bother him a bit!

For many years Ryan biked almost every morning before work. Several years ago, his parents, and his wife, Amy, met Ryan in San Antonio after he rode his bicycle 95 miles on back roads from Austin to San Antonio in the extreme heat! It was not uncommon for him to ride in biking groups cycling 35-65+ miles per ride, and even after many bicycle accidents including a rather serious one several years ago that landed him in the hospital, his extreme love for biking continued.

While Ryan was a student at Monsignor Kelly High School, he and a friend were on the ferry in Galveston one Friday evening in April of 1995. At that time two men had struggled in the water near the Galveston ferry after their boat capsized. One man already drowned in the incident before Ryan could barely hear the survivor’s cries for help. He alerted the captain of the Galveston ferry who then alerted the Coast Guard, which led to the discovery of the survivor who had been in the water for over an hour. Ryan’s concern and persistence saved the Houston man’s life, and he was awarded a beautiful Commendation award by the Coast Guard for his role in the rescue.

To quote one of his schoolteachers, Ryan was a great kid, always polite, fun loving and kind. While he was never the straight A student, he was always loved by all of his teachers and staff.

Ryan moved to Austin in 1995 to attend the University of Texas and shortly thereafter started a food distribution company, D&S Distributing.  When juggling school and owning a business became too much, Ryan put college on hold until the dot-com crash hit in 1999.  After returning to school, Ryan worked for two prominent family law attorneys in Austin at the law firm of Piper and Powers.  At that same time, he also obtained his real estate license and worked for Ely Properties where he leased and sold residential properties on campus.  Upon graduating the University of Texas, Ryan took some time off and spent a summer in Costa Rica and then moved to Boulder, Colorado where he enjoyed cycling, mountain biking and snowboarding.

Ryan began law school in Virginia in 2004, obtained his third-year bar card and began working under the guidance of a family law attorney where he tried multiple contested family law cases prior to sitting for the bar exam.  Ryan ultimately moved back to Austin after passing the bar and opened his own law practice.  After successfully running his solo-practice for 10 years, Ryan was honored to be asked to join the team as a partner at Gray Becker, P.C.

Ryan was a trial lawyer who was very comfortable in the courtroom and passionate about the practice of law.  He was selected as a Rising Star and top-rated family law attorney by Super Lawyers in Texas Monthly Magazine in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018.  Ryan had extensive experience in all matters pertaining to family law, as well as both civil and criminal family violence and stalking cases, a topic which he presented on before the Austin Bar Association.

Ryan had so many mentors and special friends in the legal community. His mother recalls telling them at one time early in his career that he had a case up against one of the best lawyers in Austin, Perry Minton. He was so excited about the case, even though he was certain he would not prevail.  Regardless, he was excited because he knew he would learn a lot from the case.  And that is how Ryan always viewed life. As a never-ending learning experience.

Ryan was not only passionate about the law and defending his clients, but also about his many hobbies, such as cycling, both on and off road, yoga, camping, wake surfing, and traveling, Colorado and Mexico being two of his most favorite places to visit.  He was an avid music-lover, attending many, many concerts, and spending hours making the “perfect” playlists for his bike rides and road trips.  He loved Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket and Jane’s Addiction, which were always on repeat.  Ryan was always the life of the party, a charismatic person with a wicked sense of humor that always made people smile.  He had a knack for meeting and striking up conversations with strangers wherever he went, many of those who later became lifelong friends.

Ryan loved his family, his friends and co-workers with all of his heart.  He had such a deep love for his sister, Morgan, who was also his best friend and confidant. When Morgan had her triplet babies, Hudson, Walter and Milly, (now 11 years old), Ryan fell deeply in love with them, and in return they fell in love with their Uncle Stymie!

Ryan was married for 7 years to a precious young lady, Amy.  When they got married, Ryan had a sparkle in his eyes like never before. Amy was/is beautiful, smart, gentle, patient, thoughtful, loving, caring, and she loved him deeply. Although, they were no longer together, she has always remained part of the Dougay family.

Ryan was a Christian and loved the Lord. He is with Jesus now in Heaven and is free and is at peace, although his family and friends know he has probably already turned up the music louder!

The love his family has for their dear, precious Stymie is so great it can never be measured, and their hearts are so broken. Ryan will be deeply missed and there will always be an emptiness without him for his family, friends and community, but everyone has so many wonderful memories that will be treasured forever, and his legacy will remain.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Mike and Milly Dougay, his sister, Morgan Fredeman, and her husband, Ken, and his niece and nephews, Milly, Hudson and Walter Moore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Domestic Violence Clinic; University of Texas School of Law 727 E. Dean Keeton, Austin, Texas 78705

Mr. Dougay’s gathering will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2022, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • July 15, 2022
  • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Memorial Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • July 15, 2022
  • 2:00 pm

Comments (17)

    Judy Tenneyuque says:

    I am saddened to here the news of Ryan’s passing. My heart goes out to his family. I had the pleasure meeting Ryan through work. He was always so happy and said hello when he came into the office. May He rest in peace and May God Bless you all during this difficult time.

    Jen (DeRouen) Moore says:

    Mr. and Mrs. Dougay,

    I graduated high school with Ryan and always knew him to be kind and friendly. I would randomly see him over the years in Austin and I always walked away from our visits feeling he was living a great and full life. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing and wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time for your family.

    Sandy & Joseph Fertitta says:

    Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this time. Ryan was a remarkable young man.

    David and Denise Farson says:

    We are sorry to hear about
    you family’s loss. Our prayers are with you. Peace be with you.

    Leslie Massad says:

    What terrible news. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ryan on several cases over the years, and he was unfailingly kind and respectful — and funny! Just truly one of the good guys. So sorry for his family.

    Leslie Massad says:

    What terrible news. I’ve worked with Ryan on and off for 16 years, and I enjoyed all my interactions with him. He was kind, had a great sense of humor and overall, was just one of the good guys. He’ll be missed.

    Don & Syble Jeffcoat says:

    Milly and Mike, our hearts are heavy for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to you and all your family.

    Don & Syble Jeffcoat

    Tara Ranniger says:

    I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Ryan was always so much fun to be around, always had us laughing. He was a Wonderful person and I know he will be deeply missed. Sending prayers to your family.
    So very Sorry Tara Ranniger, Tassie Polk, Stephen Ranninger

    Sherita Lynch says:

    My heart is heavy.

    I will pray for comfort and healing for his family and loved ones.

    Ryan was a fierce advocate for his clients, with a dignity that made working with him a pleasure. I am a better person for knowing and working with him, and he will be missed.

    Susanne Nichols says:

    Mike and Millie,

    I’m heartbroken for you and your family. Ryan was a wonderful young man and had so many friends from Kelly. Prayers for you both and may you be comforted by the holy spirit. God bless you all.

    Susanne

    Christina (Sigur) Townsend says:

    This saddens me to my core. I’ve known Ryan since elementary school, and although our paths did not cross anymore, I will always remember him as being so kind. His memory will definitely stay alive with all of us, his classmates. My thoughs and prayers go out to his family during this absolutely difficult time.

    Michael Weaver says:

    I am at a loss for words.
    A brother of mine is gone, and a huge void has been left in his family. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the Dougays.
    Shoot the moon, Dougay!
    Shoot the moon.

    Jeremiah D. Williams says:

    I really enjoyed Ryan’s company; he was a colleague, but more importantly a very kind friend.

    May the grace and peace of Jesus be upon all of his family. This makes me very sad.

    Chris Philley says:

    I had the pleasure of getting to know Ryan while he practiced law in Austin. He was a gentleman, a talented trial lawyer, and one of the good ones. He sought to bring peace where possible to people in conflict, but was not afraid of standing up to bullies or injustice. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones on their loss.

    Lovisa Duplantis says:

    Mike and Milly
    My heart is broken for you and your family at this time.
    I have no words to express my deepest sympathy and concern for you. You are in my prayers and I know our Heavenly Father is with you through the days and weeks ahead.
    Much love sent to you my dear friends

    Jean O’Shaw says:

    My condolences to Mr. Dougay’s family and colleagues. While I did not know Mr. Dougay, I believe that anyone who concentrated on Family Law is a special individual. I am certain the Family Law Bar has lost someone that was a beacon in the dark for his clients.

    Carley Holmes says:

    I am sending all my love to the family.
    My heart aches for such a loss. His memory will stay alive with all of us.
    Love you guys,
    Carley (Snowden) Holmes

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