Elbert Gerald Ryals

Clayton, NC: Mr. Elbert Gerald Ryals, age 79 of Cardinal Drive passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield surrounded by his family. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Revs. Will Kelly, Billy Bowling, and Louis Parker. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Clayton.

Mr. Ryals was born on October 13, 1945 in Harnett County, NC to the late Lonnie T. and Lillie Mae Hudson Ryals. He was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Bowling and siblings, William Ryals, Elgie Mae Ryals, Myrtie McGee, Jimmy Ryals, and Betty West. Mr. Ryals was a retired sheet rock contractor for many years in residential construction. He was a simple and hardworking man who enjoyed sitting on his back porch looking at the pond. He had a heart of gold and even after retirement he would go back to the job site and feed stray cats, he had become fond of. He loved his family and his best friend his dog Rex.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara M. Ryals; children, Michelle King and husband, Scott of Clayton, Sherry Bowling of Clayton, and Sylvia Cobb of Sandford; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Dupree of Willow Spring; special niece, Tricia Casey; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends from 1:00PM to 1:45PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025 prior to the service at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.

The family appreciates your prayers during this time.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.