Vernon Gene Ruddick, 86, of Port Lavaca, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, with family by his side. He was born on June 24,1938 to parents, Homer and Maude Ruddick in Baytown, Texas. He was the youngest of four siblings. His sister, Juanita Boyd, watched over her baby brother his entire life and was by his side until the very end.
Vernon followed in the footsteps of his two brothers, Kenneth Ruddick and J.B. Ruddick, when he joined the military. He chose to join the Army and served his time honorably fighting in the Korean War. When he returned home, his adventures were just beginning.
He became a proud new father when his son Chris was born. He was then a dad of two, a newborn son Chris and his brother a toddler, Billy Wayne. Vernon later married his beautiful wife Joyce Faught Ruddick. When he married the love of his life, he also became a father of two teenagers, Fred and Tamara. His family was now complete.
He accomplished many things in his career as a welder. From traveling overseas as a pipeline specialist welding on the ocean floor, to becoming a certified instructor and teaching many young welders that are still out there today. He finished out his career retiring from Alcoa, a proud and loyal union man.
Vernon enjoyed being outside spending his time gardening, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends and traveling. But what he loved most was being with his family, anytime and anywhere.
Vernon loved being a father and uncle. His children meant the world to him, and he would talk about them proudly. He was also an uncle to many nieces and nephews; it would take its own page to list them. The love he had for them and the bonds he shared with each of them was something very special. It was obvious that he was so much more than just an uncle. The time he shared with them meant so much to him. It didn’t matter if it was a hunting trip, family reunion, celebrations of any kind, Sunday dinner, or simply stopping by to say hello. One thing you could count on if you did get a chance to stop is that you were always welcome and if you timed it just right, a delicious meal. Of course there was always a story, or two! If you were family, or a friend that is considered family, odds are that you can probably repeat his stories word for word. It didn’t matter because each time you heard him tell it, you would genuinely smile and laugh. The love around the table was real and you left knowing you were part of something special. You also knew that you were welcome back anytime, you would probably hear that story again, and you would smile. I think we will all miss those dinners and stories.
So, remember him, you know the words. Tell the stories....and smile!
Vernon is survived by his wife, Joyce Ruddick; sister, Juanita Boyd; son, Chris Ruddick and wife, Sherry, of Port Lavaca; son, Fred Dozier and wife, Patty, of Wonder Lake, Illinois; daughter, Tamara Dozier Withers and husband, Randy, of Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by his children at heart, Billy Platt of Hitchcock, Texas and JaneAnn Volek of Victoria, Texas; six grandchildren, two great grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Maude Ruddick; two brothers, Kenneth Ruddick and James Barlow Ruddick; and three nephews, David Ruddick, Gregory Ruddick and Grover Cleveland Boyd, III.
Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10 am at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, with inurnment to follow at Port Lavaca Cemetery. There will be a gathering after at the VFW.
Share fond memories with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
