William Ruark, Jr

William T. (Billy) Ruark, Jr., 81, of Fishing Creek passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at the Chesapeake Woods Center, Cambridge.
Born August 23, 1931 on Hooper’s Island, he was the son of the late William Thomas and Agnes Katherine Phillips Ruark. He attended and graduated from Hoopers Island High School. After his school years, beginning in 1948, Mr. Ruark continued WT Ruark & Co., along with his father, the seafood packing business started by his father.
Billy loved his work, he loved his family and he loved his community. He loved hunting and fishing. He always made time to donate back to his beloved Hoopers Island, serving the fire company and church. He was a member of Hosier United Methodist Church, a “founding father” of the Hoopers Island Fire Department in which he held many offices including President, and was a founder of the W.T. Ruark Fishing Tournament that has raised money for the Fire Department for 40 years. He was inducted into Dorchester County Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame.
He was a past Dorchester County Commissioner, past President of the Grand National Waterfowl Association , a founder of the Bank of The Eastern Shore, member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #91, member of Cambridge Lodge #1272 B.P.O.E. Elks, member of Chesapeake Bay Seafood Association , and a member of the Dorchester County Waterman’s Association.
Surviving are his wife, the former Dorothy (Dot) Cheesman whom he married March 18, 1961, sons William T. (Tommy) Ruark, III and wife Betty of Mardela Springs and Alan Ruark of Fishing Creek; daughters Darlene and Sharlene Ruark of Fishing Creek; grandchildren Krista Beth Wolf and husband Chris, Jonathan Thomas Ruark and wife Erin, and William Bradford; great-grandchildren Hayley Wolf, Ian Wolf and Alyssa Ruark. Also surviving is his cousin and best friend Russell (Sonny) Phillips and wife Judy of Fishing Creek.
Preceding him in death besides his parents are a step-daughter Debbie Hansen and a grandchild Brady Bradford, III.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 15, 2013 from 6 till 8 p.m. at the Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 beginning 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends will also be received the hour prior to the service. Officiate of the service will be Rev. Doug Ridley. Interment will be held at Dorchester Memorial Park, Cambridge at a later date.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathan Ruark, Chris Wolf, William Bradford, Harold Phillips, Russell Phillips, Sr., Russell Phillips, Jr., Virgil Ruark, Jr., Scott Jones and Mark Flowers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Seafood Packers: Jay Newcomb, Harry Phillips, Brian Hall, Robin Hall, Clarence Ruark, Terry Vincent, Tommy Collins, Dave Nickerson, Jack Brooks, Bill Brooks and Joe Brooks.
Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Ruark can be made to Hoopers Island Fire Dept. c/o Rosemary Dean, P.O. Box 125, Fishing Creek, MD 21634 or Hosier United Methodist Church, c/o Priscilla McGlaughlin, P.O. Box 41, Fishing Creek, MD 21634
To send online condolences to the family please visit www.newcombcollins.com


Born: August 23, 1931 Death: February 13, 2013 Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.