Gordon Eugene Ryals

Gordon Eugene Ryals, 81, of Vancleave, died Thursday, December 11, 2014 at home. Mr. Ryals was born on July 29, 1933 in Vancleave, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Allen and Julia Breeland Ryals; brothers, Richard “Dick”, Samuel, Charles, Rayford, and infant Harry; sisters, Hazel Roberts, Bessie Ferrell, Katherine Morris, Estelle Harris, Bernelle Vincent, Peggy Stewart, Addis Raines, and Dorothy Willis; and children, Gordon Eugene Ryals, Jr., infant Cynthia Ryals and Anthony McCardle. Mr. Ryals is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 50 years, Betty McCartha Ryals; sons, Samuel Clayton Ryals, Brian McCardle; and daughter, Tammy (Gil) Haisten. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Danielle (Leslie) McConnell, Justin and Ashley McCardle, Kayla Carter, Breanna Riggles and Jessica Beasley; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Doris Ladnier; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Ryals played football for Pascagoula High, was retired from Keesler AFB and served in the MS National Guard. He was an avid sports fan and coached peewee football while living in Ocean Springs. He and his wife Betty owned and operated an RV business in Ocean Springs and d’Iberville prior to moving to Vancleave. He loved square dancing, camping and meeting people. He traveled extensively with his family in their RVs. Mr. Ryals was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Vancleave. Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Vancleave Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends may visit from 1-2pm. Interment will follow in Vancleave Cemetery #1.