Ralph Albert Ryals, Jr.

Ralph Albert Ryals, Jr. was born on September 7, 1950, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, to his parents Ralph Albert Ryals, Sr. and Lola Gallagher Ryals. He grew up in Yulee, Florida, where he was raised by his father and stepmother, Lillian, who had a profound impact on his life. Ralph's strong sense of duty led him to join the United States Army and proudly serve his country in South Korea.

On December 17, 1982, he married Kathleen Wozniak, and together they established their home in Fernandina Beach, Florida. During this period, Ralph worked as a truck driver for Hess Oil Co. When their first grandson was born, they relocated to Ft. Worth, TX, where Ralph worked for AAA Cooper Trucking. Seeking a tighter-knit community and improved educational opportunities, the couple moved to Terrell in 2003. Ralph's dedication to his profession was evident as he retired from AAA Cooper Trucking at the age of 62. He held his faith close, being of the Baptist denomination.

Beyond his professional life, Ralph was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was also a big believer in Bigfoot and loved to tell stories of the swamp monsters in Florida. He always had a hunting or fishing story to tell the kids. Family was paramount to him, and he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lillian Ryals, as well as his daughter, Heather Ryals Davis. He was also preceded by his brothers-in-law, Jody Little and Danny Rozier.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Kathy Ryals, residing in Terrell, TX. and his sons: John O. Ryals and wife Denee of Throckmorton, TX; Ralph A. Ryals, III and wife Cintya of Forney, TX; and Sean M. Ryals and wife Lauren of Royse City, TX. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers: James Ryals and wife Carrie of Locust Grove, Georgia; Wayne Groover and wife Lora of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Charles Groover and wife Darlene of Birdville, Florida. His sisters include Beth Murray and husband Lamar of Yulee, Florida; Linda Little of Yulee, FL; Trisha Rozier of Yulee, FL; and Robin French and husband Francis of Yulee, FL and Shirley Seelye and husband Darryl of Manito, IL.

Ralph's legacy continues through his grandchildren: Jerry W. Shields, Haden R. Shields, Grady B. Shields, Kathleen C. Shields, Darby J. Shields, Blake Rippy, Jasper Rippy, Dex Rippy, Logan Ryals, Ralph A. Ryals, IV, and Elena E. Ryals. His great-grandchildren include Lucy Shields, Weldon Shields, Jerry A.J. Shields, Phillip C. Reddish, Adalyn Grace Shields, and Emberlyn M. Shields.

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