BURGAW — Johnnie O. Ruddell, 86, of Burgaw passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016.
Mr. Ruddell was a devoted husband, daddy, granddaddy, brother, uncle and friend.
He was born Jan. 3, 1930, in Drexel, the middle of nine children born to Harry Livingston and Iona Pitts Ruddell. Also remembered is his beloved wife of 64 years Bobbie Jo Ruddell; sons, Charlie and Wayne Ruddell; and granddaughter, Sarah Faye Ruddell, all who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughters, Terry Joiner (Jim) of Richlands and Pam Barbee (Randy) of Eastover; daughters-in-law, Debbie Ruddell of Burgaw and Donna Ruddell of Wilmington; sister, Ruth Sparkman; and brothers, Aubert, Billy, and Adrian Ruddell.
His heart belonged to a host of grandchildren, Marybeth Krynicki (Ray), Becky Joiner, Heather Ruddell, Jeff Ruddell, Greg Joiner (BJ), Lisa Benincasa (Will), Angie Benincasa, Mindy Benincasa, and Alexis Hughes (Ben); 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. His love extended to many special nieces, nephews, and dear friends, Steve and Cindy Ramsey.
He served his country honorably in the US Army. Among the legacies Mr. Ruddell leaves are the importance of God, family, country, and his love for his Rocky Point United Methodist Church family.
He was a faithful member of Rocky Point United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, with a time of celebration and fellowship following in the church fellowship hall. Rev. Mark Murphy will conduct the service.
Memorial gifts may be given to Rocky Point UMC, PO Box 6, Rocky Point, NC 28457.
Condolences may be sent to the family by clicking here.
