Maurice Dunkle Ruddle, 91, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away peacefully April 6, 2022, at Stanleytown Health and Rehab Center.
He was born Nov. 26, 1930, in Ruddle to the late N.D. “Dick” Ruddle and Mary Dunkle Ruddle
Mr. Ruddle was a graduate of Franklin High School in 1948. He attended Davis-Elkins College for two years, where he participated in track and field.
He served in the Army from 1954 – 1956 with the First Armored Division during the Korean War. While serving in the Army in Texas, he began singing with the Army chorus, which brought him great enjoyment.
After serving in the Army, he worked in Washington, DC, where his interests and opportunities guided him to West Virginia University where he graduated with honors in the field of forestry.
He served 37 years with the Corps. of Engineers as the resource manager of the Philpott Lake in Henry County, Virginia. He oversaw the operation and maintenance of the 2,880-acre lake and surrounding recreational facilities.
Throughout his career, he continued his education and training across the United States. Trainings took him to Wilmington, Kansas City, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Louis and San Diego, as well as other memorable locations.
During his retirement some of his greatest joys were his frequent trips to Franklin, serving his church in leadership roles and singing in the church choir in Bassett, Virginia.
His wife of 57 years, Louise Wright Ruddle, preceded him in death.
Surviving are a daughter, Lisa Leigh Ernest (David); step-grandchildren, Nicole Ernest and Drew Ernest (Emily); step-great-grandchildren, Olivia and Charlotte Ernest; and sisters, Mary Lee Ruddle, JoAnn Rinaldi and Nancy Walker.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Helen McGhee, Eloise Richard and Carolyn Ruddle; and brothers, Newton and Stanley Ruddle.
A visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Monday at the Norris Funeral Services in Martinsville, Virginia. A memorial service will follow with Rev. David Westmoreland officiating. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Abbey.
Memorial donations may be made to Stanleytown United Methodist Church, 24 Maplewood Ave., Stanleytown, VA 24168.
Online condolences may be made at norrisfuneral.com.
