Clarence Towner Ruby, Jr.

Clarence Towner Ruby, Jr., 77, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born to Clarence Towner and Florence (Harris) Ruby on January 26, 1943 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Towner Ruby Sr. and Florence Reed "Penny or Pent" Harris Holland and Stepmother Fay Rudd Ruby. He is survived by his wife and love of his life: Suzanne Elizabeth "Susie" Graham Ruby; 2 Sons: Jason Ruby, wife Dana, Adrian T. Ruby, Sister Nancy Faye Ruby Ellifrit; Half siblings Lew Edwin Ayers and Barbara Ayers Anderson and grandchildren Jacob Allen Ruby, Cadel James Ruby, Aaron Michael Ruby and stepdaughter Clare Tennyson, and 15 nieces and nephews, 30 great nieces and nephews and 32 great-great nieces and nephews. Clarence served in the US Army Reserves, went to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he was the school mascot. He attended Northeast Oklahoma College graduating with a BS of Science stopped to go to work for Standard Oil of Indiana (later Amoco ) as a Computer Analyst for 25 years writing software for well completion. He returned to college graduating with a Master's degree at Oklahoma State University. He then went to work for the City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation as Park Planner and in customer service retiring after 10 years. He had a part time job at Wild Birds Unlimited preceding his death. Clarence was known as a kind gentle friend always ready to help you out. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. "A memorial will be held at a later date." And now for a family story told by Clarence's sister Nancy. His family called him Butch When Butch and I were very young, we went to visit uncle Jack and Aunt VA. After a few days of being left alone while they went to work Butch decided he was going home. I wanted to stay but was too afraid to stay by myself, so I left with my brother. My aunt and uncle lived East of Stigler and home was Muskogee. We had few dollars and a few coins. When we got to town we stopped at a store and bought some food with our money. I think it was about noon. We walked forever as far as I was concerned when a car pulled over and this man got out and asked us some questions. My big brother did all the talking, and in a few minutes, we got in the car with me plastered to my brother's side. The man probably talked the whole way and I guess my brother told him where we lived because after a while we pulled up out front of our house. I don't remember exactly when the explosion started but when it hit, I was sure we had done something terribly wrong. I let my brother do the talking. There was a lot of discussion, some yelling and I just stood there looking at my brother and he just said, "I wanted to come home, so I did," and she followed me. I think he was nine and I was five. I have always thought that he was brave and had all the answers and could do anything that he set his mind to. If he could have had enough time, he could have set his mind and would have beat this thing too.

Clarence Towner Ruby, Jr.

January 26, 1943 - May 6, 2020