of Batesville, AR
October 31, 1938 - January 15, 2018
Joseph Rafael Ruiz of Batesville, AR. went home to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, January 15, 2018.
Joe was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on October 31, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael Ramos Ruiz and Noemi Padro Ruiz, and by his Father-In-Law, James (Jim) Robins and his Mother-In-Law, Mollie Andrews Robins.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Martha Robins Ruiz; and by his daughters, Deborah Jemison (Tom) of Hanover, PA, Jennifer Whaley (Jack) of Richmond, VA., as well as his stepdaughter, Robin Willis McCormick of Newark, DE. Also surviving him are his brother, Gonzalo Ruiz (Carmine) of Baltimore, MD.; and his sister, Louisa Ruiz Tello of Alexandria, VA.; 9 grandchildren, Hannah, Hailey, Abigail and Samuel Jemison of Hanover, PA., Mallorie, Kate and Henry Whaley of Richmond, VA., Alyse and Chelsea West of Newark, DE. In addition, Joe was dearly loved by a host of In-Laws and nieces and nephews.
Joe attended schools in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and New York, graduating High School from Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland earning his B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was also a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves after serving Active Duty, retiring as a Sgt. Maj. after 32 years of dedicated service to his country.
He was a visionary business man and was the President and owner of Baltimore based Metalcraft, Inc. for over 30 years engineering and manufacturing fire extinguishers for commercial use Nationwide. His forward-thinking and business savvy propelled the company well ahead of available technology which lead to successful contracts with NASA and the Federal Government. His mechanical engineering expertise made him a sought-after designer for creating new manufacturing conveyance systems and mechanized balancing systems for companies throughout the Baltimore region.
In retirement, he enjoyed his volunteer work for the Disabled American Veterans. Joe was also an avid sports fan whose passion was football and basketball. He enjoyed yardwork and being outside. He was also very protective and devoted to his family. With his quiet and reliable strength, friends and family always knew they could depend on him with a helping hand, a playful smile and an ornery sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 615 East Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501 under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home. Burial will follow immediately at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or a donation can be made to First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will take place at 11:00 am at the church prior to service.
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9 Condolence(s)
Sonny & Joella Huddleston
Saturday, February 24, 2018
We love you both, God bless you Marti.
Sonny & Jo
Christian J. and Carolyn S. Eck
Monday, January 22, 2018
Marti.....you are indeed a very strong willed person. You have been through 'much" and have responded well to all the very difficult situations. Your Love and dedication to Joe and your family are indeed noteworthy. Stay strong...Keep the Faith and continue on Life's Path......you'll not be Walking Alone.
God richly Bless and Keep You,
Christian and Carolyn
Fernando & Dalia Ruiz
Monday, January 22, 2018
Dear Aunt Martha.
We are very sorry for uncle Joe's passing, i know no words can help in this time of grief, know that he will be remembered fondly as we have so many loving memories of uncle Joe wonderful and charismatic person, one can only aspire to come close to become the man he was.
He will be missed.
DW
Friday, January 19, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4
(3) "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. (4)
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Pat and Glenn Fster
Friday, January 19, 2018
Sympathy, love and prayers.
George Kauffman
Friday, January 19, 2018
Although I know that no words can ease the loss you feel, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Joe at Fort Howard Veterans Hospital where he was in charge of the DAV's Van making sure our veterans had transportation to and from the VA's hospitals.
Linda Brazel
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Martha, I am so sorry for your loss and am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know you have many wonderful memories that will be comforting to you in the future.
In Him,
Linda
Nancy & Don Long
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Marti--
So very sorry to read this about Joe. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Semper Fi
Ruth Ann Jarrell Ricketts
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Dearest Martha my heart aches for you in this most precious loss of Joe. He is now the handsome rose in God's rose garden beaming down upon you. He will be your precious guardian Angel and will be with you always. May God hold you closely in his arms as you grieve. Sending you my most heartfelt condolences to you my Friend. Blessings, Ruth Ann