Jonathan Patrick Ryal
April 3, 1975 ~ July 9, 2026
Jonathan Patrick Ryal, of Tyler, Texas, a devoted educator, coach, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on Thursday, the 9th day of July 2026, following a tragic car accident at the age of 51. Jonathan was born on the 3rd day of April 1975 in Port Arthur, Texas, to his loving parents Scott and Nancy Ryal.
Born with a natural calling to teach and guide young people, Jonathan's foundation of faith began early in life. He was saved at the age of five at Bible Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas, and later grew in his faith as a member of Southside Baptist Church. For over 20 years, he was a dedicated member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he lived out his servant's heart by teaching middle school connect group and volunteering in the nursery.
Jonathan graduated from Palestine High School in 1993, where he developed a deep and lasting love for Wildcat football. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, paving the way for a distinguished 22-year career in education. Jonathan spent his career doing exactly what he was born to do: shaping lives through teaching and coaching. Over more than two decades, he dedicated his talents to the students and athletes of both Athens ISD and Palestine ISD.
A passionate lover of history and economics, he brought the past to life in his classrooms. On the fields and track, Coach Ryal inspired countless athletes, coaching soccer, cross country, track, and junior high football. His passion for soccer extended beyond the school districts into the broader community, where he coached teams in Tyler, Texas, and served faithfully on the TSA soccer board.
Jonathan truly loved kids, and his legacy lives on in the thousands of students and athletes he mentored, encouraged, and loved. Outside of the classroom and the field, he could often be found at the Ranger's Stadium, enjoying a meal at his favorite local spot, Little Mexico, or cheering on his beloved Wildcats. While Jonathan's absence leaves a profound void, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless students he inspired throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Vesta Ryal and George Pardoe and Bertha Pardoe.
Jonathan is survived by his loving wife Kristin Kelly Ryal; and his cherished children, Jackson, Reagan, and McKinley Ryal, who will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his parents, Scott and Nancy Ryal of Hideaway, Texas; mother-in-law, Kathleen Brown of Palestine, Texas; brother, Christopher Ryal of Lewisville, Texas; sister, Bethany Pattat and husband Danny of Kaufman, Texas; nephew, Drew Pattat; and his niece, Avery Pattat. Also left behind to mourn his passing are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and a multitude of friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 20th day of July 2026 at Southside Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas, with Dr. Dwayne McCrary officiating the service. Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service.
Honorary Pallbearers include Wes Canaday, Logan Whitfield, Alex Maldonado, Drew Whitfield, John Absalom, Bill Skaggs, and the Wildcat and Hornet student athletes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards the Tyler Soccer Association, 5610 Old Bullard Road #205, Tyler, Texas 75703 or via Venmo to @Tyler-Soccer-Assoc.
Memorial services for Jonathan P. Ryal are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
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Coach Ryle always had a way of making people laugh and lifting their spirits. Throughout most of the softball season, he drove our bus, and I always found myself listening in on the conversations he had with the coaches because the stories he shared about his life were always entertaining and memorable.
One moment I’ll never forget was at a tournament in Frankston when the team was about to go eat, and Coach Ryle accidentally left me behind. Looking back, it became one of the funniest memories of the season.
I also remember when he brought his daughter to one of our tournaments. He always made sure she felt included, and I thought that was really special. I’ll always remember his kindness and the fun memories he gave us.
Such a beautiful life, and well-lived. He forged more meaning in a relatively short lifetime than most of us ever will. I pray God will wrap His loving arms of comfort around his entire family.
Coach Ryal, I will forever remember the countless days you spent coaching me telling me not to give up on my favorite sport. You encouraged me in so many ways giving me advice when I was terrified trying out for the middle school team and you never gave up on me. After we won the tournament you pulled me aside gave me a big hug and talked to me telling me how far I’ve come and how proud you are of me. I’m so grateful I got to have you in my life and at every soccer game to come so know you will be with me spiritually. I love you and may you rest easy with our lord!
We are praying for y’all. Gary Brown and Ashley (Williams) Brown
Coach Ryan, was my 7th grade Texas history teacher and a football coach at Athens Middle School. We had lots of fun in that class. It was everyone’s favorite period of the day. We wouldn’t do a ton of work but we would have fun. Out on the practice field Ryan would make kids laugh even on punishment days. Praying for God’s comfort for his family.
Over ten years ago, while leaving a Sunday service at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, a young man shouldering a large diaper bag and pushing a stroller with at least two kids made his way to the parking garage. I thought, “Wow, that is such a devoted dad!” As I looked more closely, I recognized it was Jonathan Ryal, whom I hadn’t seen in years since living in Palestine. The memory stuck with me of the fine man he had become.
He was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered the second you started talking. Super supportive in a way that wasn’t just words — he actually showed up. He was really, really funny, the kind of funny that could break tension in a room and make a bad day feel lighter. And he was just so, so, so nice. Not performative nice, but the real thing. Kind to people when no one was watching.
He pushed me in track more than any coach ever did. When I wanted to quit a rep or told myself I couldn’t hit a time, he was there saying “yes you can” — and he meant it. He believed in me on the days I didn’t believe in myself, and that belief is part of why I kept going.
When he walked into a room, it honestly shined. He brought this energy that lifted everybody up. You couldn’t help but smile around him. He was such an amazing person, and the space he left behind feels huge.
I love him and I miss him so much. I’m better because I knew him. Thank you for the laughs, the pep talks, the belief, and for being you. I’ll carry all of it with me, every time I’m on the track and everywhere else too.
Coach Jonathan will always be remembered here on earth with us for being a champion of young persons. I witnessed him have a tremendous impact on so many—including our daughter Aubree.
He was a great family friend. If it was not for him, our daughter would not have developed such an amazing friendship with a great number of wonderful girls— as well as been encouraged to develop confidence in swimming—to which now she is an elite, nationally ranked swimmer.
I remember him texting us when he chauffeured our daughter to North Carolina for the 2024 AAU junior Olympics. He texted us, “Aubree is winning so much Gold that we are going to have to rent a Brinks truck to carry it back to Texas! It’s like Fort Knox over here!“ he was genuinely excited for our daughter with no ulterior motive— just loving her succeeding and sharing in it with her. Lol, he loved our daughter as his own.
I loved chuckling on the sidelines as I listened to him yell “Christian” reprimands at the soccer girls. I recall him telling his daughter McKinley, “Merry Christmas, McKinley! Get the ball!“ Merry Christmas!?! For real, who says that! Jonathan says that!!! I love that so much…
He has not left us forever; he has just gone before us earlier than we would expect. All those who truly know Christ and live a life in Him will see him again soon.
This is just an “Appreciate you, brother. See you later” post. That, we can cry and smile with confidence in Jesus name!
We remember the days of watching Jonathan and Kristin growing up with such fondness. In high school, we knew their love would lead to a wonderful marriage someday. What a precious couple! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May God bring peace to your hearts. We love you all.
Milton and Betty Conaway
In 2013 I experienced my first episode of depression. I retreated into myself, stopped talking in class, barely went to my extracurriculars. Coach Ryal was the only person who noticed and said something. He went out of his way to make sure he knew that he saw me, he loved me, and that he was there for me. He saved my life with one simple choice to say something. Today I have a husband and daughter I adore, because of him. He was one of the first people I told when I found out I was pregnant. He texted me the day after she was born. He was one of my most favorite human beings on this earth. All of my children will know his name. We miss you, Coach.
Sending prayers to the Family, his wife and children, friends, Palestine ISD and the students who knew him dearing this hard time. He is up in heaven with Jesus Christ and also up there with my Dad. Memories will last forever 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nancy and Scott – it has been many years since we worked together but my heart is saddened by your loss. I remember Johnathan as a young boy. Prayers to you and Johnathans family.
Kristin,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I hope in the days and weeks to come that you can all look back on your memories and have some laughs and hugs remembering all those special times!