Ruley

David Alvin Ruley, 72, of Brenham, passed away at his home on Monday, July 22, 2019.

Born on July 19, 1947 in Houston, David was the second son of Ralph and Mattie Louise (Smith) Ruley. He graduated from high school in Normangee in 1965 and enjoyed visiting with his classmates to share tales of football and teen adventures.

In June of 1966, in Houston, he met Joyce Gebhard of La Grange. They married five months later, Nov. 26, 1966, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Grange more than 52 years ago.

David was inducted into the US Army in September of 1967 and served in Vietnam from February 1968 to February 1969 as a Reconnaissance Sgt. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In addition, his unit was awarded the Valorous Unit Award, the second highest unit award given for gallantry in combat.

David spent most of his working career in the oil related industry and has a United States patent pertaining to horizontal drilling technology. He traveled to and worked in England, Scotland, Canada and many states during his decades with various oil companies.

In retirement, David enjoyed his back-porch wildlife visitors. He also liked watching UT and Texan football games, as well as political TV shows, old movies and boxing while eating Whoppers candy. His brother’s visits were a treat as the two Ruley boys fixed the world’s problems and ate coconut cream pie.

He will be missed by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Amy Dennis and husband Russell of Tomball; son, Jason Ruley and wife Lisa of Dripping Springs; brother, Bill Ruley and wife Janice of Houston; sister-in-law Carolyn Keefe and husband Jerry of Willis; brother-in-law Russel Haney and wife Judy of College Station, and Aunt Janet Roeder of Shiner. David was Papaw to five delightful granddaughters: Emma, Kate, Carmen, Sloane and Morgan. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and motherin-law Hilmer and Minnie Gebhard and precious granddaughter, Magdaline.

A visitation was held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 12 to 2 p.m prior to the funeral service at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Burial followed at La Grange City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at

www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.