Thomas Hinton Ryals Sr., 87, who most knew as Tom, passed away February 5th, 2023, in San Angelo TX. He was born August 31st, 1935, in San Angelo TX to Jesse and Madalyn Ryals. Tom graduated from Lake View High School in 1954.
Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1955 where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. He was privileged to be part of the U.S. Air Force EGRESS team that developed and deployed the first viable rocket propelled Emergency Ejection Seat used to save the lives of aircrews all over the world. He continued in the EGRESS field for over 20 years and received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1975. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom went to work for Johnson and Johnson at their Ethicon plant in San Angelo TX. While at Ethicon he helped implement, maintain, and improve the Self-Automated Winding machines (SAW machines) which automated the manual process of packaging medical surgical sutures. After 19 years at Ethicon, he retired for a second time during his lifetime.
Despite retiring, Tom continued to rise before the crack of dawn to have breakfast with his family and friends. He enjoyed his breakfast and visiting with anyone that happened to walk within talking distance of his table.
He had a passion for bowling and tinkering on all kinds of projects around the house and at the farm. Tom was baptized at Edmond St. Baptist church in San Angelo, TX.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Madaline Ryals; sisters, Bernice Bailey, Cora Porter, and Lavern Boulch; Grandchildren; Emily Erin Brown and Justin Thomas Ryals.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Jan, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
His immediate survivors are; Sister, Ginger Gillespie of Killeen TX – Sister, Jerry Hicks of Carrollton IL – Brother, Alton Roy Ryals and wife Jennie of Bland MO –-Son, Marvin Bryan Brown and wife Sheri of San Angelo TX – Son, Thomas Hinton Ryals Jr and wife Jessica of Hurst TX – Daughter, Lisa Macko and husband David of Denton TX – Son, Lester Earl Ryals and wife Shawn of Houston TX – Daughter, Wendy Spann and husband Charlie of Clyde TX.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 2023 in the chapel of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Ryals family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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