Gene Ruark

GENE ALFRED RUARK, 73, a lifelong resident of Deltaville, Virginia passed away last Wednesday morning, September 21, 2016. A graduate of the University of Richmond, Gene found his passion in real estate development and owning Ruark Marinas, Inc. He was dedicated to the betterment and beautification of Deltaville and Middlesex County, often personally planting flowers, trees, and shrubs at his own expense. He was a driving force in the Deltaville Community Association, and the Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park, on whose boards he served for many years. He gave the first lot in Middlesex County to Habitat for Humanity. He was a major contributor to the renovations of his home church, Clarksbury United Methodist. He generously gave to the library, YMCA, and other community organizations, serving on many of their boards. Gene had an amazing love for his community. One of his many projects is the welcome sign, seen by all entering Deltaville. Many individuals in need of help found a helpful, kind, loving heart in Gene, who was not afraid of using his own resources, and colorful language, to get things done. Often seen in his white pick-up truck, you knew Gene was looking for the next project to help his fellow man and community. He will be missed by all that knew him and pleasant stories about Gene will be told for many years to come. Deltaville and Middlesex County has lost a great friend and benefactor.Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene H. Ruark and Lavinia Taylor Ruark. He is survived by his aunt and uncle, Norton and Alvine Hurd, and aunt Pat Taylor (Dickie); cousins Myra Hurd Wall (Charles), Jack W. Hurd (Denise), Michael T. Hurd (Beth), Jan Taylor, Dale Taylor, and Theresa Anderson (Brad), Edwin Ruark (Suzanne), Charles ‘Duck’ Ruark (Francis), Russel Ruark (Janie), and the late Rufus Ruark (Diane). He will be missed by his faithful employees; “Chef Jay” Johnson, Cora Robinson, George and Frauline Robinson, and his caregivers; Paul Howle, III and Kelly O’Toole.A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Clarksbury United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm, interment to follow at Zoar Baptist Church cemetery. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Deltaville Maritime Museum Endowment Fund, P.O.Box 466, Deltaville, Virginia 23043, or to the Deltaville Community Association, P. O. Box 211, Deltaville, Virginia 23043.