William R Ruggles

William (Bill) Rudy Ruggles , Age 90 Went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 28, 2020 at Cooper Hospital with his son, David, by his bedside and many other family members surrounding him via Zoom. He is predeceased by his wife Patricia of 61 years and survived by his seven loving children, Deborah Garrison (Harvey), Paul (Pam), Diane Chafe (Philip), Mark (Laura), David (Karen), Patti DiPietro (Joseph), Jeffrey (Amber), 22 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.

Bill was born at home and raised on a farm near Gilbertsville, Kentucky. He attended Marshall County Schools until the 8th grade, stopping to help his family on the farm when his older brother left to join the Army during WWII. In 1951, Bill was drafted and served as a corporal in the United States Army, and was stationed in Bellmawr, New Jersey, where he met and married the love of his life. He was active member of the Westville Baptist Church for many years until becoming a charter member of New Beginnings Bible Fellowship Church in Woodbury Heights. Over the course of his life, Bill worked for and retired from Conrail (originally working for the Pennsylvania Railroad), held a second job for many years working for Ralph Stevenson Roofing, worked as an auto mechanic after leaving the roofing job and was an all-around handyman for family and friends. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, gardening, and fishing, and being involved with the Gloucester City Lake Association, especially their annual fishing derby.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested Memorial Donations in Bill’s name be made to the Mission Fund of New Beginnings Bible Fellowship Church, PO Box 205, Wenonah, NJ 08090. Arrangements have been entrusted to CRERAN CELEBRATION ETHERINGTON & CRERAN FUNERAL HOMES, 700 Powell St. Gloucester City. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.crerancelebration.com #crerancelebration #heartfelt