Bill Ruggie

William Huey Ruggie and Gail Ruggie

"Bill" passed away early Saturday morning, November 26, 2016. Bill was born June 19, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA though he considered himself a native Floridian as most of his 80 years were spent in Florida. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High and went to The University of Florida on the school's first-ever full swimming scholarship. Soon after graduation, Bill moved to Clearwater, FL and opened a State Farm Insurance agency, which he would run for nearly 50 years. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and, among his many diversified interests, a collector of contemporary long rifles, antiques and classic cars. Bill is survived by his wife, Gail; his children, Paige (Johnny) Chassie, Tom (Kim) Ruggie, Kelli Ruggie and Garth (Polly) Ruggie; three grandchildren, Gina, Christopher and Shane; a loving sister, Thene Castle and two nieces, Kim Patterson and Kris Turner.

Eternal rest grant unto Bill, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Published in the Tampa Bay Times on Dec. 4, 2016