Kerry Brent Ryals

Kerry Brent Ryals, 53 of Gillsville GA,  went home to be with his Savior on Saturday November 25, 2023, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center-Gainesville.

Kerry was born on January 7th, 1970 in Gainesville, GA to Dwight Ryals (Lounette) and Connie Draine (Jim).

Kerry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Melanie Ashbaugh Ryals, and their 3 Children.   Daughter:  Alexis Rylee (Kody), Sons: Dusty Ryals (Brittney) and Trevor Ryals (Ally) all of Gillsville, GA. Grandchildren Waylon Rylee, Wyatt Rylee, Westyn Rylee, Hadley Ryals, Carter Ryals, and Coley Ryals.  along with his parents, also his sister Michele Cain (Troy), sister-in-law Francis Shackleford (Martin) and brother-in-law Jay Ashbaugh.     

Kerry is also preceded in death by Grand-Parents Travis and Ethel Ryals and Tom and Imogene DeLong, Uncle Rev. Dwayne Ryals, and In-laws Alex and Grace Ashbaugh.

Kerry worked for UPS for 35 years but was most proud of his calling to preach the Gospel and did his first sermon in August of 1996.  Kerry was saved as a child at Timber Ridge Baptist Church in summer revival in August 1978. 

A close friend and fellow co-worker had this to say about Kerry. 

Dear Family, Strong (UPS) It is with heavy hearts that we have to inform you of the passing of one of our own, Kerry Ryals. He was a dedicated and hardworking driver for UPS, always going above and beyond to ensure that packages were delivered while also delivering the Word of God to anyone who would listen.   After finishing his shift last week, Kerry had a heart attack on his way home.  Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he sadly passed away a few days later.  What most people didn't know a few days earlier, Kerry was offered a position at a worldwide company called "Heaven".  God decided he needed gifts for Heaven and HE chose Kerry Ryals to deliver.  Unbeknownst to Kerry, it was a full-time position.  Kerry put in his resignation at UPS and accepting the position.  For the first time Kerry was excited to put in so much overtime.  The benefits were far greater than what he had at UPS.  Kerry prepared for this job his entire life.  The UPS family was heartbroken that it was such short notice and so close to retirement, but we were grateful that Kerry was chosen.  Please keep his family in your prayers.  He was a family man and a GODLY man who will be dearly missed. 

 Funeral services will be held Wednesday November 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Timber Ridge Baptist Church. Rev. Kody Rylee and Rev. Chad Dale will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home Tuesday November 28 from 2-4 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.