Elmer L. Ryals, Sr. died on September 13, 2022 in Memphis. He was born on Sept 16, 1933 in Wilson, AR one of six children to Jewel Ryals and Nancy Grace Alexander. He graduated from Wilson High School and attended Quachita Baptist College. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War.
After his discharge from the army he served 28 years on the Memphis Police Department, retiring in 1984 as a Chief Inspector. Upon his retirement from the MPD he was with Christian Brothers College (now CBU) for 10 years and with the Town of Tunica for 15 years retiring as administrative assistant to the Mayor of Tunica.
In addition to his mother and father, he was predeceased by his brothers, Charles, Lloyd, Jerry, and sister Merle Ryals Moncrief.
Elmer (nickname Bill) was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves his wife, Barbara Slattery Ryals of 64 years and his son Elmer L Ryals, Jr, (Dana) granddaughters Morgan Ryals Poole (Bob), Emory Grace Ryals, and grandson Elmer L. (Beau) Ryals III., sister Mary LaRue and many nieces & nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A visitation for Elmer will be held Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8151 Chimneyrock Blvd, Cordova, TN 38016.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the RYALS family.
