David Ruiz

David Ruiz was born November 11, 1929, in Austin, Texas, where he grew up and attended school. He graduated in 1948 from Austin High School and attended Southwest Texas University in San Marcos.
David was a Korean War Veteran, serving from 1951-1954 in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Tarawa, Fighter Squadron One Hundred Two (VF-102) from 1953-1954. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupational Medal (European Clasp), and the China Service Medal.

David married Alma Saldana on July 6, 1956, in Austin, Texas. They moved to Killeen, Texas in July 1957. He worked at Fort Hood as a Post Optician from 1957 until December 1962. In January 1963, he opened his optical business in downtown Killeen. In 1982, he and his son, Dr. Austin Ruiz, went into practice together and opened the Killeen Eyecare Center. David was a Certified Optician and was certified by the State of Texas and by the American Board of Opticians. Ruiz was past president of the South Central Texas Opticians Society, serving three years on the Texas Board of Certified Opticians.

David was very active in the Killeen community. He served as a member of the Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission for three years, was a member of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, serving three years as a Membership Chairman, and was also member of the Military Affairs Committee. He was a Life Member and past president of the Killeen Noon Lions Club, where he served for 55 years. Ruiz was also past president of the Killeen Friends of the Library.

David was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Foundation Committee, member of the Finance Committee, and of the Board of Trustees, Church Lay Leader, past president of the Wesley Sunday School Class, past president of the United Methodist men, and served as an usher since 1965.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Ruiz; one son, Dr. Austin Ruiz (Kathy) of Harker Heights, TX; two daughters, Marilyn J. King (Col. Charles) of Georgia, Sylvia D. Gatewood (Jason) of Tennessee; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren, and sister Eva Burch of Utah.

David is preceded in death by four brothers; two sisters.

The family requests that all memorials be given to the First United Methodist Church of Killeen, TX.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Chapel
506 N. 38th Street
Killeen, TX  76543
Monday, August 20, 2018
6:00-8:00 P.M.

Service

Frist United Methodist Church of Killeen
3501 Elms Rd
Killeen, TX  76542
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
10:00 A.M.

Cemetery

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
11463 State Highway 195
Killeen, TX  76542

Memorial Contributions

Frist United Methodist Church of Killeen
3501 Elms Rd
Killeen, TX  76542