J. Ruark

J. KENNETH RUARK

James Kenneth “Ken” Ruark, age 84, of Fishing Creek, MD, died Thursday night, August 11, 2011 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, Salisbury, MD.

Born on March 23, 1927 in Hoopersville, MD, he was the son of the late S. Warren Ruark and Edith Willahemina Parks.

On May 4, 1968 he married the former Lola Lewis.

Mr. Ruark had been a self employed waterman. In 1970 he and his brother Virgil W. Ruark, Sr. bought Charles H. Parks & Company Seafood from Sangston Parks. This business remains in operation and is managed by Mr. Ruark’s nephew Virgil W. “Sonny” Ruark, Jr.

Mr. Ruark was a member of Hosier Memorial United Methodist Church and Hoopersville United Methodist Church.

Mr. Ruark was one of the founding members of the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Department where he was also a life member, and the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Association. He was an avid NASCAR fan, liked to read and cook. Mr. Ruark enjoyed his work and looked forward to every event held at the fire house where he would cook.

Surviving is his wife Lola Ruark of 43 years; a daughter Carol Jones of Salisbury, MD; a step-daughter Diane Fluharty and her husband Bob of Preston, MD; two grandchildren Scott Jones and Ryan Jones; two step-grandchildren Kim Wheatley and Jeffrey Fluharty; two step-great-grandchildren Taylor Wheatley and Brandon Wheatley; nephew Virgil W. “Sonny” Ruark, Jr. and his wife Marie; great niece Marcia Pliescott and her husband Woody; three great-nieces Allison N. “Allie” Shenton, Josie M. Shenton, Charlette “Charley” Pliescott; several cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were two brothers Charles E. Ruark, Virgil W. Ruark, Sr. and his wife Irma Lee; and great-nephew Charles E. “Chuck” Ruark.

Mr. Ruark’s final wish was to be cremated. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 16th at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Douglas Ridley assisted by Pastor Chuck Hudson. Inurnment will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Virgil W. “Sonny” Ruark, Jr., Jay Newcomb, Virgil Hobbs and Curtis Simmons.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by sending flowers or making memorial offerings in Mr. Ruark’s memory to the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 125, Fishing Creek, MD 21634 or to the Hosier Memorial U.M. Church, PO Box 296, Fishing Creek, MD 21634.

To send online condolences, please visit www.curran-bromwell.com