Mr. James Earl Ryherd, 88, of Gamaliel, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home. He was born in Gamaliel, on February 14, 1938, the son of the late Edd Lewis and Mary Iva (Proffitt) Ryherd. He married Vonda Catherine Isenberg on July 7, 1958, who preceded him in death on March 3, 2017. He was a member of the Gamaliel Baptist Church, He retired as a Bridge Superintendent from Scott-Murphy. James enjoyed gardening, barn painting and restoration, mowing his yard and aggravating his family. James was also an honorary VFW member.
He is survived by three sons Douglas, James and Patrick (Ivanna), all of Gamaliel and three daughters Debra Whiddon (Bud) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Beverly Gerald of Gamaliel and Sherry Ryherd of Franklin, Kentucky; James was also survived by 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter Iva Joan Steelman; five brothers, Audie, Clyde, Carl, Paul and Dwaine; five sisters, Lucy O’Banion, Essie Harlin, Eva Whitis, Dean Davis and Faye Oye.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, June 4th 1:00 p.m. at the Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel with burial in the Gamaliel Cemetery. Bro. Danny Pace will officiate the service. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3rd 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service at 1:00 p.m. at Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel.
Donations may be made to the Gamaliel Cemetery in memory of Mr. Ryherd. Pallbearers: Levi Burgess, Evan Ryherd, Joel Ryherd, Eric Ryherd, Xavier Roark and Jaxon Tichenor. Honorary Pallbearers: Wade Ryherd, Charles Ryherd, Barry Ryherd, Kevin Roark and Steve Gerald. Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of James Ryherd.
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