Roger Bennett Ruark

As a typical small town child of the 30’s and 40’s, Roger was active on the family farm, while spending his free time excelling in his favorite sports of baseball and basketball. He enlisted in the Air Force with the permission of his mother at the young age of 17, in March 1951. He was quickly sent to Japan and four months later, was sent to Korea for the war. He married the former Helen Louise Byrd in 1954.

With an innate ability to adapt and learn, Roger advanced to the enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank for an enlisted service member. His position required him to brief Air Force general staff and commanders during emergency response and recovery of forces operations. He travelled extensively to provide training and support to both tenant and non-tenant radar units. His hard work and dedication gained him seven medals and 10 other ribbons and service awards during his 23 years of service.

Following his retirement from the military, Roger was hired by the U.S. Civil Service. He was rapidly promoted and eventually became the police chief at Dobbins Air Force Base. He was then recruited to become the Deputy Director of Air Force National Security and Emergency Preparedness. Roger hired, trained, and worked with 78 full colonels nationwide.

After losing Louise in 1985, Roger married Joan Anna Chapman (nee Boyer) in 1990. After 42 years of service, Roger retired from his distinguished career in 1994.

He truly loved his walk through life with his first wife Louise; his present wife, Joan; his sons, stepson, and stepdaughter and their spouses; his grandchildren; and all of his friends. He frequently said, “the end is the beginning, and I am not afraid but look forward to that which the Lord has promised.”

Roger was predeceased by his first wife, Louise Ruark; his sisters and brothers, Katherine, Doris, Helen, Jack, Bill, Elizabeth, and Gene.

He is survived by his wife, Joan A. Ruark; his sister, JoAnn; his sons, Roger E. Ruark and his wife, Sandy Ruark; Jeffrey P. Ruark and his wife, Mariko Ruark; stepdaughter, E. Joy Blank and her husband, Kenneth Blank; stepson, Jonathan D. Chapman and his wife, Sharln K. Chapman; and his grandchildren, Adam Ruark, Katie Ruark, Lauren Chapman-Turner, Jack Chapman, and Reagan Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC.