Rueben Smith Piland

We regret to announce Rueben Smith Piland, 79, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, in Jacksonville Beach, FL. He was born in Bertie County, North Carolina. He was raised in Portsmouth, Va and attended Craddock High School where he met his wife, Judy, shortly after. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy and his two daughters Stephanie and Marcy, two sons-in- law Jim and Duke (respectfully), 6 grandchildren Nicole, Audrey, Jimmy, Maxwell, Ryan and Emily. He is survived by his two sisters Rachael and Susan, 3 brothers-in-law Dave, Monty and Ricky and 1 sister-in-law Patty, 15 nieces and nephews Beth, Billy, Buffi, Billy, Bryce, Clayton, Melissa, Abigail, Benji, Seth, Josh, Amber, Zachary, Taylor, Rachael and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 1 sister-in-law Diane, 2 brothers-in-law Jim and David and 2 nieces Christy and Hannah. He has countless friends all over the world.

Rueben’s professional career with the United Stated Government and Navy started in 1966 with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an electrician. In 1971 he was hired as a planner with Supervisor of Ship Building (also known as SupShip) in Portsmouth, VA. The family moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1978 when he took a planner position with SupSHipJax at Mayport Naval Base. From 1983 to 1985 he worked with PERA(CRUDES) in Norfolk working on Cruisers and Destroyer Ships. He returned to Jacksonville, FL in 1985 working at Mayport Naval Base as a Surveyor/Electrician for SupShipJax. In 1988 Rueben helped to develop a new department at SupShipJax by working in the Advanced Planning Department. In 1991, Rueben was promoted to the Chief Planner of SupShipJax/SERMC at Mayport Naval Base. He was very proud of his career of over 35 years with the United States Government and the US Navy. He forged many great relationships, experiences and vast amounts of knowledge during that time. He remained in that position until 2001 when he retired to enjoy his family. In 2005, Rueben decided he had more to give to the field. He went to work for QED in Jacksonville, FL. This was in the same field as his career but as contracts with the Government and Navy. In 2021 he fully hung up his hat and retired after close to 55 years of dedication to keeping our Navy Ships running and ready for service at any time.

Over the years in his free time, Rueben loved to golf, woodwork, surf fish, was into antique cars, playing softball, traveling the world, making people laugh, and spending time with his family and church family at Oceanside Christian Church in Jacksonville as well as Armistead Forrest Church of Christ and West Park Church of Christ both in Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at Oceanside Christian Church on December 21st at 2 pm. The church is located at 130 Main St, Atlantic Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society.

Rueben will be dearly missed by all who know him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and colleagues.