Leivasy-Robert Gene Ruckman (Bob) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023 at the age of 83.
He is survived by his daughter, Gale (Rick) and son, Rick (Helen); his granddaughters, Rachel, Rebecca, Robyn, and Lexie; and his sister, Vicki Dove.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Julie; his devoted parents; and his sister, Beulah Arbaugh.
Bob was born in Richwood, WV, to Dwight and Mae Lanham Ruckman on Mar. 13, 1939. After high school, Bob moved to Illinois where he began his career in the automotive industry. In 1972, Bob moved his family back to Leivasy, built his house on Grassy Creek Road and began his lifelong career in trucking.
After several years as an Owner Operator truck driver, Bob and Julie founded Happy Trucking, Inc. and eventually Ruckman Truck Repair. They grew their operation into one of the largest independently owned trucking businesses in the area. Bob retired from the business in 2021 after being recognized by the American Truck Historical Society with the Golden Achievement Award for 50 years of service to the trucking industry. Trucking was Bob’s passion and life and he shared that passion with many in the community through employment and service.
Bob was a kind and giving man, always ready to help those less fortunate or in need. Everyone that knows Bob has benefitted from his generosity at some point over the years. Always willing to share, he never sought credit or notoriety. Despite having contracted Polio as a child, he never asked for a hand, however, he was always ready to extend his to others. Bob was a pillar of the community dedicated to making whereever he lived a better place. While living in Illinois, he was a founding member of Grace Baptist Church in Downers Grove established to serve a growing Baptist Community. He was a catalyst in the installation of public water lines on Grassy Creek Road in Leivasy in 1973 promising not to shave until they got public water. He was a founding member and life-long servant of the Nettie Volunteer Fire Department providing expertise on the recovery of large trucks involved in accidents.
Bob was always genuinely happy with a smile on his face. Always the optimist, Bob saw sunshine in the midst of clouds, ease while facing adversity and HAPPY when others were down. He was always happiest on the road, behind the wheel or up to his elbows in grease.
A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 24, at the Nettie Fire Department Bingo Hall (State Road 20 S) in Nettie, WV. The memorial service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Church, 159 New Prospect Road, Leivasy, WV, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 25.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations at gideons.org to support a cause close to Bob’s heart providing Bibles to spread the word of God.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
