Johnie Watson Ryel, 77, of Conway passed from this life on May 10, 2008 at his home after a long battle with cancer and from a broken heart after losing his son Gary 13 months ago.

He was born Jan. 23, 1931, to Ralph and Lottie Ryel in Aline, Okla. He married Donna Rose Green on Aug. 24, 1951.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters and his son.

Johnie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Ryel, and daughter, Rita Anthony and husband Max of Aline; five grandchildren, Hilary Nicholson and husband Matt, Haley Brown and husband Tom, Bennett Ryel, Wain Ryel and wife Michelle, and Rosanna Ryel; two great-grandchildren, Jayden and Aleigh; one brother, Bill Ryel and wife Fern, one sister, Inez Marshall; sister-in-law, Vereta McBride and husband Max of Aline; brother-in-laws, Leland Green and wife Carolyn of Caldonia, Miss., and Vencil Green and wife Loreta of Carmen, Okla.; a special nephew, Jack Ryel and wife Blanche and their sons, Brian and his wife, Stacy, and Jeff Ryel; and many nieces and nephews.

He worked in chain stores for 20 years and started working for Sam Walton when he had seven variety stores and helped to open the first few Wal-Mart stores. He also worked in sales for many years. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, dancing, RV travel and Good Sam's RV club. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Conway.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Roller-McNutt Funeral Home at Conway, with Bro. Larry Pillow officiating.

Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday in Carmen Cemetery at Carmen, Okla., with Pastor Polly Young officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to CARTI, 2605 College Avenue, Conway, Arkansas 72034.

Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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