Hubert Faligan Ryals Jr., 71, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025, at his residence, following a short illness.
Born February 21, 1954, in Waycross, he was a son of the late Hubert Faligan Ryals Sr. and Iris Othell Groover Ryals. He lived most of his life in Pierce County and was a 1973 graduate of Blackshear High School. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne. He obtained his associate degree from Waycross College and retired from the Ware County Sheriff’s Department as a jail lieutenant.
He had attended Emmanuel Ryals Jr.
Baptist Church in Blackshear.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Ryals.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Catherine Ryals, Blackshear; four children, Hubert Faligan “Gator” Ryals III, Danielle Lucas, Blackshear, Christopher Ryals (wife Elena) of Blackshear and Zach Ryals (wife Haley), Homerville; seven grandchildren, Garrett DuPont, Thomas Lucas, Jacey Ryals, Caden Ryals, Marlie Ryals, Reagan Ryals and Liam Ryals; sister, Melinda Ryals, Lenox and several other relatives.
Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the funeral home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 29, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home.
The family requests that former and current employees of the Ware County Sheriff's Department to serve as honorary pallbearers. They are asked to please be at the funeral home by 1:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
