To know him was to love him, and although he will be missed every moment of every day, our beloved William Timothy “Tim” Ruble passed away on Friday, December 16th, 2022 after a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born on July 21, 1958 in Bluefield, West Virginia. For 64 years, Tim blessed anyone privileged to be in his path, no matter what stage of life they were in. He always chose people over possessions and was generous and selfless when putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He gave from his best and not his leftovers, whether it was the shoes off his feet or the only umbrella he had on a rainy day. While countless members of the community shopped at his family’s shoe store, Suburban Shoe Center, for more than 45 years, most of them became friends instead of just customers as Tim knew how they drank their coffee and what size shoe and insole they wore. After losing his father, William Clifton Ruble, in 2015, Tim stepped up and cared for his mother as she battled cancer while grieving their loss. When the time came for the shoe store to close its doors, Tim began working for the East Bristol Church of Christ as an elder and the visitation minister. He lovingly transported members of the congregation to appointments, picked them up from the airport, visited them when they were sick or lonely, or simply listened to them when they needed a friend.
While Tim was a faithful son, husband, father, brother, and friend, his most important role was that of a Christian. He lived his life each day with eternity in mind, and although he was not perfect, he strove to serve the Lord in all that he said and did. He had a gift for treating people with genuine kindness and respect and made everyone feel like they were at home whenever they were in his presence. His laughter was contagious, and his ability to lighten a room was unmatched.
Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 26 years, Susan Dutton Ruble, his precious daughter, Madalyn Ruble, whom he always referred to as “Baby” or “Gracie”, and his beloved mother, Maggie Bandy Ruble, who counted it a privilege to raise such a genuinely kind and obedient son. He is also survived by his sisters, Debbie Edwards (John) and Sharon Jones (Kerry), a brother, Bryant Ruble (Becky), a sister-in-law, Sarah Dutton, and a brother-in-law, Matthew Dutton. He also enjoyed being the “favorite son-in-law” of Janet Cook and adored his nieces and nephews, as well as their children. He had too many friends to name, but he was especially grateful for two of his most treasured friends, Brian Widener and Floyd Bailey. Tim was also blessed with the opportunity to meet the love of Madalyn’s life, John Lemus.
Although he loved people and living life, he adored his dogs and was often teased by Susan that he took better care of the dogs than he did her. Yampa was his very first “favorite” dog before he and Susan, along with Madalyn, welcomed Noah, Isabella, Max, and Norah into their family over the years. He also had a special place in his heart for his “grand-dog,” Atticus.
Special gratitude is offered to Dr. Joe Foley, Dr. Marcus Williams, and the medical team who cared tirelessly for Tim during his extended stay in ICU and the cardiac care unit of the Bristol Regional Medical Center. We are also grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to us by Tyler and Savannah at Frost Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at the East Bristol Church of Christ on Monday, December 19th from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. The service will follow at 6 p.m. with ministers Floyd Bailey and Bill Haywood officiating. The church building is located at 1625 Bonham Road in Bristol, Virginia. Interment will be at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
To help us celebrate the incredible impact that our precious Tim had on so many, we would love to read your memories or favorite stories of him. Please send these to sruble21273@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, gifts of love can be made to the East Bristol Church of Christ (1625 Bonham Road in Bristol, VA 24201). Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement during this challenging season of life. Our grief is great, but our love for our beloved Tim is greater.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Ruble family.