In Loving Memory of Howard George “Bud” Ruddick
February 16, 1937 ~ August 2, 2025 (age 88)
With heavy hearts, we celebrate the remarkable life of Howard George Ruddick, lovingly known as “Grandpa Bud” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. Born in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, Howard was the son of Howard Woodruff Ruddick and Helen Deiss Ruddick. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his integrity, generosity, and unwavering love.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Ruddick Harris (Laton), and his brother Peter John Ruddick (Camille). He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-six years, Barbara Corson Ruddick, daughters Sarah Ruddick Belsley (Jim) and Linda Ruddick (the late Earl Wilson), three loving grandchildren Michael Wilson (Liz), Heather Wilson, and Brittany Wilson, five cherished great grandchildren Wade Gonzalez, Fisher Gonzalez, Walker Gonzalez, Asher Wilson, and Caleb Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard attended Colorado State University on a swimming scholarship, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He later achieved his professional engineering license and served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1974.
He enjoyed a distinguished career with West Point Foundry and Machinery Company, West Point, Georgia, where he worked for nearly three decades. Howard’s dedication to excellence earned him numerous commendations. In 1980, he spoke at the Third International Sizing Symposium in France, a testament to his knowledge and professionalism. Whether repairing machinery, designing intricate solutions, or mentoring colleagues, Howard’s ingenuity and can-do spirit never wavered.
Outside of work, Howard’s life was rich and full. He was a winemaker, a gifted photographer, and a devoted rose gardener. He found peace in the woods and joy outdoors. For those lucky enough to know him, he was the man who could fix anything and start a conversation with anyone. His firm handshake, infectious smile, and genuine enthusiasm for life’s simplest pleasures are among the many reasons he was dearly loved.
To his great grandchildren, Grandpa Bud was a hero. He built them sandy beaches at his cabin on Lake Harding, took joy in catching and eating catfish with them, and taking them on cart rides behind his trusty lawnmower “Big Orange.”
Howard proudly restored a 1929 Model-A Ford, affectionately named “Chief,” with help from his River Cities Model-A Club friends. He loved taking friends and family on rides and blowing the horn, “Oooga, Oooga!”
Howard will be deeply missed, yet his legacy will endure through the love he shared and the memories he gifted us all.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the West Point First United Methodist Church Chapel, West Point, Georgia on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 11:00 AM (EDT). In honor of his life and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the West Point First United Methodist Church, West Point, Georgia or the West Georgia Hospice House, LaGrange, Georgia.
Please visit Howard’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservice@gmail.com tno leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Howard, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
