William Irl Ruggles

William Irl Ruggles

Devoted Father and Husband -

William Irl Ruggles, 72, of Mechanicsburg , died at Holy Spirit Hospital while surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.  He was born in Wichita, Kansas, on Sunday, June 29, 1941, son of the late Charles Edward Ruggles and Velma (Compton) Ruggles.  William was the husband of Julie Patricia (Jackson) Ruggles whom he married on October 28, 1967.

William’s survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Julie Patricia (Jackson) Ruggles; his son, Michael Irl Ruggles of Halifax, PA; his daughter, JoAnn P. Mangieri and her husband Gerard and her son Jack all of Mechanicsburg; his two sisters, Laura Witherspoon of Kansas, Jackie Ferguson of Kansas; his brother, Thomas Charles Ruggles of Kansas; his sister-in-law, Marion Farmer and her husband Joseph of Georgia; his two brothers-in-law, Richard Jackson and his wife Sheryl of Norwich, England, John Jackson of Norwich, England; and several nieces and nephews including those in England and Georgia.  Among those preceding William in death is his brother, Robert “Pat” Patrick Ruggles.

William retired in 1997 from the Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg where he drove his 1960 little red Corvette to and from work each day.  He was a proud veteran of both the Air Force and Navy .  William was an adoring husband who deeply loved and cherished his wife who he would be thinking of when he would say, “I already won.” A devoted father, William enjoyed spending quality time with his family.  He was a simple and private man who was true to his upbringing and maintained his strong character throughout his life.  William was good with his hands and could fix almost anything.  He was brilliant, insightful, wise, caring, loving, and soft spoken.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

All are welcome to join William’s family at his Celebration of Life Gathering and Reception on Thursday, January 16, 2014, from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with Reverend Dr. Timothy R. Baer officiating.  Burial will follow the service in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA, where full military honors will be presented.

The family welcomes flowers especially those that they will be able to enjoy at home following the funeral.

William’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read William’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .