Sammy Levene “Sam” Ryals went to be with our Lord on May 2, 2023. He had been living near his daughter in Denham Springs, La., where he passed after a lengthy heart ailment. He was 79 years of age and was born at home, to Samuel Lafayette “Fate” Ryals and Opal Ables Ryals in Madill, Okla.
He attended Madill schools and graduated from Madill High School in 1961. Sam and Betty Katherine French were married October 26, 1963, at Kingston Methodist Church, in Kingston, Okla. Thereafter, the two made their home in the Dallas area where they were employed. Sam worked with his brothers, tile setting for several years when he was younger but later acquired a job with General Motors, where he reached retirement. Upon retirement, he wanted to move back to Oklahoma, so he moved with his wife and son, to the country, near Milburn, Okla., where their homeplace and property remain. Sam’s main focus was providing for his family, always wanting them to be happy.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Opal and Samuel “Fate” Ryals; his siblings, Doris Ryals Bradbeary, Joy Wayne Ryals, James Charles Ryals, Marjorie Nell Ryals, Jerry Don Ryals; his maternal grandparents, Robert Lee and Sophia Sullivan Ables, of Madill, Okla.; his paternal grandparents, Jack and Bettie Martin Ryals of Glen Rose, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Ryals; son, Timothy Neil Ryals of Milburn, Okla.; his daughter, Leanne Ryals Wygant and son- in-law Tommy Wygant of Denham Springs, La.; grandchildren: Thomas Ryals and wife, Amber with baby, Caitlin Ryals of Fort Worth, Texas, Dawn Ryals of Arlington, Texas, Ryals Samuel Wygant and Ryder Wygant of Denham Springs, La.; his sister, Jo Ann Ryals Womble and husband, Mark Womble, of Trophy Club, Texas, his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Oklahoma, Texas and California.
He will be loved and missed dearly by all!
A memorial service in his honor is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill.
Arrangements under the direction of Watts Funeral Home.