Berkley Ruiz, 87, passed away February 14, 2015, from natural causes.
Berk was born in 1927 and raised in North Carolina, but had lived in Winder since 1957. He served in the Navy (World War II, Korean War) and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1976, retiring as Lieutenant Commander. He obtained degrees from Mars Hill Junior College, Clemson University, the University of Georgia, and a specialist degree from Georgia Southern. He taught Industrial Arts for two years in North Carolina then in Georgia from 1957 to 1988, most of those years at Winder-Barrow High School (1957–1968, 1976-1988). He was instrumental in the formation of the Industrial Arts Club Association in 1962.
Berk was active in the community of Winder. He assisted with Boy Scouts, was a member of the Lion’s Club and the Dixie Locksmith Association, he took tickets at high school football and basketball games, and for many years was the only locksmith in town. He was also a licensed ham radio operator for over 40 years. During retirement he started a full-time locksmith business and picked up the art of dowsing (appearing on the show “Liars and Legends”). He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Winder Ward) and served in various capacities including a two-year mission to Samoa with his wife Shirley, and then as bishop from 1999 to 2004. His religion was an important part of his life and he gave countless hours of service on behalf of others.
Berk met Shirley in 1954 while selling pots and pans door-to-door in North Carolina. They eventually settled in Winder, where they both taught high school. All seven of their children attended that same high school. Berk was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years and is survived by their children: Juli, Teresa, Tony, Robby (Genie), Timmy (Ruth Yaneth), John (Darla) and Molly, as well as 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one brother (Robert Ruiz of North Carolina).
Berk was a family man who spent summers hauling the kids to different parts of the country and his retirement years enjoying the grandkids. His jokes and hearty laughter and ever-present willingness to help others will be sorely missed by the family and all who associated with him.
Viewings will be held at the Carter Funeral Home on Thursday and Friday, February 19 and 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, at noon in the LDS chapel (36 Sims Road). A short viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 11 to 11:45. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.