WILLIE JOE RYALS, JR.

By Kelly Turner | February 17, 2026 |

Willie Joe Ryals, Jr. was born 7 February 1943 to Willie Joe and Avie (Ogden) Ryals in Mcintosh County, Townsend. On the 5th February, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, he departed this life after an enduring illness.
Willie accepted Christ and joined Rachel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. After completing high school, he enlisted into the United States Army where he honorably served for more than 27.5 years. His military career consisted of serving during the Vietnam and Korean Wars where he excelled and accomplished the highest enlisted rank possible, Command Sergeant Major, in the shortest documented time ever recorded. During his enlistment he was awarded many distinguished medals and accommodations such as 3 Purple Hearts, 2 Silver Stars, several Bronze Stars and a lifetime of Meritus and Distinguished badges.
After retiring, Willie settled down in Los Angeles, California where he became the entrepreneur of Ryals Construction which led to a prosperous career, thereafter, fully retiring in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the death of his beloved wife, Myong Cha Ryals, Willie returned to Appling County.
Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Myong Cha Kim; his parents Willie and Avie Ryals, and two sisters, Dorothy Smith and Maggie Ryals Ross.
Fond memories of Willie will be cherished by his five children: Ronald (Cheryl) Ryals, Sr. of Baxley, Arron Ryals of Baxley, Gena (Jude) Boyd of Las Vegas, Nevada, Minister Arashal Ryals of Missouri City, Texas and Marcus (Sheila) Field of Chesapeake, Virginia. One brother Gus (Geneva) Ryals of Baxley; his beloved pet Benjamin (Benji) Ryals; nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, and an astounding number of veterans, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held on Thursday, February 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Rachel Missionary Baptist Church.
The invocation was given by the Pastor Kendall Bennamon. Musical selections were rendered by the Choir, Alberta Ryals and Voices of Genesis.
Active Pallbearers were grandsons, nephews, great grandsons, and cousins.
Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Badar Anwar, Dr. Dijana Jefic, Dr. Yates, Pact Team 3, A & T Transport, Eldorado Cleaners, Help at Home, Dr. Nahad Wassel, Davita, Dr. Lee, Baptist Village, Dependable Transport, Southern Nevada Surgery, and Amedisys.
Repast was held at Rachel Missionary Baptist Church.
C.M. Brown Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Willie Joe Ryals JR.