Joe Ryals

Joe Stanley Ryals, 65, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on February 23, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Calvin Ryals and Alyeen (Harper) Ryals. Joe graduated from Pryor High School in 1966. Joe came to Pryor in Third grade, where he began with Mrs. Nichols, a teacher he would remember and love all his life. In his later years, he still saved Campbell Soup Labels for her and Roosevelt Elementary School. Joe faithfully served his Country in the United States Army serving in Thailand from October 18, 1966 until October 6, 1968 during Vietnam. During his service was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Joe later went to work for the State of Oklahoma at the Whitaker State Home and Thunderbird Youth Academy. Joe received a lovely State of Oklahoma Citation for his 65th birthday from the Oklahoma State Legislature and Representative Ben Sherrer which he appreciated so very much. He also worked with his parents in the Ryals Salvage. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and taking his bird dogs hunting. He also enjoyed woodworking and being in his garden. Joe enjoyed people and loved playing pranks on his family and friends. He loved eating at Thomas's Restaurant and JL's Barbeque, two of his favorites. Joe was a very proud man, proud of his Country and his family. He will be so very missed by not only his family, which he dearly loved but by his many friends. Funeral Services for Joe will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Pryor First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike Cox officiating. Interment will be in the Starns Cemetery east of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with Military Honors. Casket bearers will be Justin Ryals, Steve Ryals, Dale Glory, Dale Lee Glory, John Sherman, Coy Davis, Ryan Davis and David Castleberry. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday and 9:00 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Monday evening. To leave a message to his family please see his web memorial at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral Cremation Service. Joe is survived by his son, Justin Ryals and fiance' Kimberly Shelton of Kellyville, OK; his daughter, Christy and husband, John Sherman of Jay, OK; his granddaughter, Lila Ann Sherman; his sister, Marlyn Castleberry of Owasso, OK; his nephew, David Castleberry; his niece, Sonia Nelson; the mother of his children, Glenda Ryals of Chouteau, OK; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Alyeen Ryals and an Uncle Johnny Harper.

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