Nabil Paul Rukab

Nabil was born in Ramallah, Palestine on April 2, 1946 to Boulus and Salwa Rukab, the second of six children. He immigrated to the United States in 1960 with his family and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, Nabil attended Lake City Junior College.

Nabil met the love of his life, Ghada, on a spontaneous trip to Ramallah in 1971. It was love at first sight and they married a short time later. Together, they raised two sons. Nabil was a loving and devoted husband and father, but his favorite role was Sedo (or “grandfather”). Nothing brought a smile to Nabil’s face like time spent with his six grandchildren, who were the joy of his life.

Prior to his retirement, Nabil owned several successful businesses, including the Truck Stop Café at Landstar, which he operated with his sons for more than 20 years. Known as “Mr. Bill” to his patrons, Nabil was quickly adopted as part of the Landstar family, and forged many friendships.

Nabil was an active member and former President of the Ramallah-American Club. He was also a dedicated member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, where he was a past President of the Parish Council. Nabil was a respected elder and champion for his community and church, and was loved and admired for his kind nature and exceptional character. After the passing of his father, Nabil assumed the role of patriarch in the family, a position he embraced. His knowledge and judgment were often sought out by family and friends.

Nabil’s pastimes included fishing with his sons, playing cards and billiards and watching football, especially the Florida Gators. Whether it was a sarcastic joke or a wink and a smile, Nabil had a special way of making people laugh and feel at ease.

Nabil was predeceased by his parents, Boulus and Salwa Rukab, and his brother Victor. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Ghada, two sons Paul “Boulus” (Dana) and Jason (Caroline), and six grandchildren Hannah, Phoebe, Carson, Paul Jr., Shelby and Memphis. He also leaves behind his four siblings Basem Rukab, Rita (Charlie) Harb, Renda (Bill) Ajluni and Rocky (Rana) Rukab, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will hold a visitation on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville 32216, with the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. presided over by V. Rev. Archpriest Dr. Fr. Kamal Al-Rahil. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Arrangements under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville 32207. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Nabil to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.