Ronnie Lynn Ryals, age 67 of Sanford, passed away on Monday (8/24/2026) at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford. He was born in Lee County, son of Helen Yarbrough Maddox and the late Maylon Ryals. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, his stepfather, Alex Maddox, brother, Edward Earl Ryals, son, Eddie Lynn Ryals, grandson, Eddie James Hardison and his maternal grandparents, Earlie Yarbrough and Esther Lett Yarbrough. He is survived by his mother, Helen Yarbrough Maddox of Sanford, NC; daughter, Jessica Ryals Hardison of Sanford, NC; six grandchildren and best friends, Gary Haynes, Keith Scaggs and Ronnie Ballenger. The family will receive friends on Friday, (8/28/2026) from 6-8pm at the Smith Funeral Home in Broadway. A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday (8/29/2026) at 11am at Poplar Springs Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Garland Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Poplar Springs Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.