MORRIS SMITH RUGGLES

1941-2016

Morris Smith Ruggles graduated to Heaven on January 17, 2016 in Houston, TX. He was 74.

Morris was born on February 4, 1941 in Temple, TX to his parents Morris and Irma Valene Smith Ruggles. Morris was valedictorian of Spring Hill High School class of ‘59, held a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA from Stanford University. He married Martha Lucile Laird, of Port Arthur, TX in 1963. Morris and Martha had three children (Maury, Kim, Mark). His profession moved the family to Kansas City, Minneapolis, Boston and Houston, which he finally called home.

Morris’ joy in life was helping others. He gave his time to countless youth, coaching and mentoring them in baseball, basketball, and golf. Morris was an avid golfer who treasured his career best score of 33/35. In times where he found himself with abundance, he freely shared his time and resources with others. Of note, he donated resources for the Martha L. Ruggles Memorial Park, and ensured that his children’s middle school had new computers. In recent years, Morris was a loyal servant at Second Baptist Church, where he was the secretary and treasurer of his Sunday School Class, Beholding His Glory. Morris spent his final moments with his church family before he was called to be with God.

Morris is survived by son and grandson Maury Ruggles of Houston and Cole, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Forrest Jackson Jr. and grandchildren Payton, Karly and Forrest III of Missouri City, son Mark Ruggles of Houston, brother and sisterin-law, R. Don and Sue Ellen Ruggles of Boerne, TX, three nephews and a niece and nine great-nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Morris and Irma S. Ruggles, and his beloved wife, Martha L. Ruggles.

The celebration of Morris’ life begins with visitation on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079, and continues with a memorial service at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Second Baptist Church (The Sanctuary), located at 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception in the church “Deacon’s Parlor”. Following the reception, there will be a 4:00 PM graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079.