Joseph McRuiz Jr., 97, passed away on September 8, 2023. He was born in Athens, Texas on May 27, 1926 to Jose and Refugio Solorio McRuiz. He had two sisters and five brothers, all of whom have passed. He attended Athens High School where he lettered in football, basketball and track. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army in September of 1944. He served Europe, the Philippines and Japan at the end of the Second World War. After separation from the service, he met and married Madeline Crooks of Mt. Pleasant in Tyler on November 17, 1950. Joseph and Madeline had six children: Vincent, Michael, Marsha, Teresa, Stephen and Michelle.

Joseph lived most of his life in Tulsa where he worked as a photoengraver for the Newspaper Printing Corporation. He had an avid interest in gardening and competitive sports, closely following Dallas Cowboys football. He was a life-long member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Joseph was preceded in death by Madeline, who passed away in 1996 and his son Vincent in 2022. He is survived by his son Michael of Tulsa; his daughter Marsha Gorham of Rowlett, Texas; his daughter Teresa Robinson of Severna Park, Maryland; his son Stephen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and his daughter Michelle of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate Joseph, will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1347 E. 49th Place on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM.