LTC (Ret) William Ruby

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) William “Bill” Francis Ruby, 93, passed away on 18 August 2016 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Bill Ruby was born 5 November 1922 in Roseville, Michigan to the late Harley Clifton Ruby and Roseanna Marie McKenna. He graduated from Eastland High School in Roseville, Michigan. He was a career Army officer whose service included assignments with both the 11th and 101st Airborne divisions; he was a master parachutist. He retired after serving 27 years in the Army, and was a Veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
After retiring from the military, Bill worked in construction where he was known for his attention to detail, his candor and his occasional pranks. He was active in both his church and in his community. Among many services performed for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he was an altar server during Mass and a Eucharistic Minister who often brought Communion to those who were homebound or hospitalized.
Bill was a 32nd degree Mason, Past Master and Secretary for many years at Queen City Masonic Lodge 761 in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was also active in the York and Scottish Rites and he was a Shriner.
Bill was a dignified, gracious gentleman – a model of integrity and generosity. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a selfless friend. He had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a serious man, but also had a mischievous sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.
Bill is survived by his sister Mary Kathryne Henshaw, his daughters Dolores Angela Ruby, Karen Louise Ruby and Diana Lynn Ruby, his daughter-in-law Brenda Lanette Ruby, his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dolores Ann Ruby and his son William Francis Ruby II.
A Masonic Ceremony will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, 25 August at the McReynolds, Nave and Larson funeral home at 1209 Madison Street in Clarksville, Tennessee.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted by Reverend Eric Fowlkes (who was regarded as a son by Bill and the family) on Friday, 26 August at 11:00AM in the Immaculate Conception Chapel on Franklin Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Alzheimers Association 2016 Walk to End Alzheimers – Clarksville, Tennessee. Click “Family and Friends”, Team “Both Parents”.