Born September 1, 1942 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Raymond and Doris (Adkins) Ruark, he married the love of his life, Sandra Schisler on August 5, 1967 in Portsmouth, Ohio. They have been happily married for 55 years.
Surviving are his wife, Sandy; their two daughters, Julie (Stacy) LaCour of Mahomet and Jill Crum of Pekin; four grandchildren, Sydney and Harrison LaCour and Richard and Carson Crum; one sister, Sue Vulgamore of Piketon, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard “Rich” Ruark; parents and seven siblings, Emma Jean Howard, Virginia McManus, Raymond Lee Ruark, John Ruark, Charlotte Bias, Francis Damron and Walter Ruark.
Harry was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.
After graduation from Eastern Kentucky with an Economics Degree, he began a career with Sears in management. He also managed stores for Montgomery Wards and Walmart. His retail career lasted for 40-plus years. Following retirement, to keep busy, Harry worked as a bailiff at the Tazewell County Courthouse for several years.
Harry was a big jokester with a great sense of humor. He had a special gift of making people laugh.
He loved sports and was a talented pitcher. He enjoyed telling about the time he struck out Pete Rose and while playing basketball, he scored against Jerry Lucas in high school.
Harry was scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals, where he participated in their summer camp.
He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. He enjoyed going to the beach with family, watching and attending sporting events and working in the yard. He also spending time with friends and watching his grandchildren participate in events. The most important thing in Harry’s life was the love of his family.
His memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. James Edward “Jamie” Schisler, his nephew will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the United States Army and Tazewell Military Rites Team.
Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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