Laverne Ryals

ANGIER - LaVerne Ryals died peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Duke Regional Hospital due to complications from a motor vehicle accident, surrounded by members of his family. LaVerne was 77 years old. LaVerne Ryals was born June 15, 1938 to the late Albert and Ella Ryals of Erwin. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley D. Ryals, 4 sisters, 5 brothers, and survived by one brother, James H. Ryals of Sanford. LaVerne is also survived by his children, Mark L. Ryals of Fuquay-Varina, Raymond H. Ryals and his wife Michelle of Clayton, Tonya (Toni) R. Elder and her husband, Bill of Angier, James (Dale) Ryals and his wife, Mindy of Clayton, and Jon Patrick Ryals of Kentucky. In addition he was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier.  Burial will follow at Devotional Gardens, Dunn. Born in a family that loved the Lord and farmed for a living, LaVerne was no stranger to hard work. His family often marveled at his many entrepreneurship endeavors over the years. His businesses included Ryals Sealcoating, Ryals Lawn Care, You Call We Haul, and the list goes on. LaVerne may not have had an extensive education, but he was able to provide for his family at any cost. When LaVerne was in his early fortys he accepted the free gift of salvation from his savior, Jesus Christ. His bondage to alcoholism was released and he furthermore referred to himself as a “saved alcoholic” instead of a “recovering alcoholic”.  His walk with the Lord was evident in his ministry and acceptance of those that would have normally been dismissed. LaVerne, often referred to as “Rev.”, was involved in preaching, his own bus ministry, and offered hope to the hopeless. He never knew a stranger and he and Shirley opened their home as a ministry to any in need. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier. This is where many would say “he lost his battle after 71 days in the hospital and complications to an auto accident”, but we believe LaVerne would disagree. After all, the few times he was able to mouth or speak words, he often said “I want to go home”.  We have come to realize he got his wish.  The earthly dwelling we assumed he meant was not earthly at all, but instead the ultimate home he so longed for.  As we grieve his loss, he is praising his God, because he received the free gift of Christ, who won the ultimate battle over death and the grave.