Obituary of Bobby O. Ryals

Bobby O. Ryals, 85, of Hilton Head Island, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021. Bobby was born on January 28, 1936 in Tampa, FL to William O. and Irene Ryals.               

Growing up in Tampa, Bobby was active in his family’s business, Floral Cleaners. A graduate of Hillsborough High School, Bobby played football and was in R.O.T.C. After graduation, he attended The Citadel and served in the Army Reserve.

His career in manufacturing began in Tampa with Continental Can Company. Bobby earned a promotion to Longview, TX as plant manager. The next move was to Cincinnati, OH as plant manager and later Division Manager of the Midwest Region. Throughout his career, Bobby pursued continuing education opportunities including earning an Associate Degree of Science at Kilgore College and later completing an Executive Management program with the Wharton School of Business.

After 30 years with Continental Can, Bobby retired and partnered with his son, Randy, in an automotive business. He enjoyed supporting Trevor and Chris in high school sports and volunteering in many ways supporting Karen in her fundraising career.

In 2012, Hilton Head Island became not only a favorite vacation destination but their permanent home to welcome family and friends. On the Island, Bobby became an avid gardener. His love of outdoors included riding trikes in Port Royal, enjoying nature, birding, and his favorite pastime, fishing. 

Throughout his life, Bobby and Karen shared a passion for plants and gardening. He took great pride in cultivating his citrus trees while sharing the bounty with friends and family. Bobby will be most remembered for his quick wit and expansive sense of humor. He was a unique individual and a natural storyteller. With extensive travels and life experiences, he amused and entertained everyone.

Bobby is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Karen, of 63 years. He was extremely proud of his three sons and their families, Randy (Donna) of Columbia, SC, Trevor (April) of Corpus Christi, TX, and Chris (Staci) of Houston, TX; and his eight grandchildren, Miranda, Griffin, Olivia, Sophia, Will, Jackson, Ellie and Davis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, 11:00 a.m., December 30, 2021 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, SC. A reception will follow in the family center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Leukemia Society https://www.lls.org/ or the charity of their choice.