George Ryals, 69, of Lubbock, formerly of Del Rio and Andrews, passed away peacefully at 8:02 AM on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 in Lubbock.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 25, 2017 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel, 705 North Main Street, in Andrews with Minister Oliver Greenwood officiating. Interment will follow in the Andrews West Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 - 8 PM at McNett Funeral Home in Andrews. Please celebrate his life by visiting www.mcnettfuneralhome.com.
George was born on May 18, 1947 in Seminole, Texas to Cecil O’Neal Ryals and Dura Belle Black Ryals. He was raised in Denver City, TX and graduated from Denver City High School in 1965. He married Deborah Kay Sanders on March 24, 1967 in Andrews and together they raised three children. He worked as an electrician for Exxon for 24 years. He was an avid collector; he collected cookie jars, clocks, antique radios and the list goes on. He was a handyman by trade; if it was broken, he could fix it and if he couldn’t fix it then it probably was really broken. He would rather buy something broken and tinker with it until it worked, rather than buying something new. He loved to fish and spent countless hours on Lake Amistad; fishing and driving the boat while his kids were water skiing and tubing. He would even water ski on occasion; which his kids always enjoyed. He loved his family with all his heart, and he worked hard all of his life to provide for them. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. He is preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Kay Ryals in 2014; his two sons, David Ryals in 1990 and Kevin Ryals in 1991; and his parents, Cecil O’Neal and Dura Belle Ryals.
He is survived by his daughter, Jace Clark and husband, James, of Lubbock; 3 grandchildren, Keagan, Kaden and Ava, all of Lubbock; sister, Dorothy Gourley and husband, Vince, of Ardmore, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Randall Sanders and wife, Layla, of Kerrville; niece, Cher Lorentz; and nephews, Wade Gourley and Shannon Sanders.
The family would like to thank Dr. Luke Hinshaw, Interim Hospice, and the staff at Callendar House Highlands Assisted Living. Memorial may be sent to Interim Hospice or Epilepsy Foundation.
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