Hubert Faligan Ryals, Jr.

Mr. Hubert Faligan Ryals, Jr., age 71, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday afternoon (10/25/25) 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 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 of Blackshear; 4 children, Hubert Faligan "Gator" Ryals, III, Danielle Lucas of Blackshear, Christopher Ryals (wife Elena) of Blackshear, and Zach Ryals (wife Haley) of Homerville; 7 grandchildren, Garrett DuPont, Thomas Lucas, Jacey Ryals, Caden Ryals, Marlie Ryals, Reagan Ryals, and Liam Ryals; sister, Melinda Ryals of Lenox, GA; and several other relatives.

A memorial service will take place Wednesday (10/29/25) at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

The family requests that former and current employees of the Ware County Sheriff's Department to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the funeral home by 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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