Final Salute

Timothy James “Tim” Ruck was born September 18, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James and Marie Ruck. He passed away February 2, 2026 at the age of 65 at his residence in Curry, Alabama after a long bout with physical illness.

We honor the life of this man whose faith shaped every step he took and every life he touched. He lived with a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a steadfast devotion to God that guided his words, his work, and his love for others. His journey on this earth reflected a life of service, humility, and unwavering trust in the Lord, and all who knew him were blessed by his kindness and example.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Collins-Burke Chapel. William Whited, Rick Yancey and Lyndall Day will officiate.

He was preceded in death by one son, James John “Jim” Ruck II, his father, James John “Jim” Ruck Sr., his mother, Marie Romine Ruck, one brother, Richard David Ruck, his maternal Grandparents, Clarence & Mildred Romine and paternal grandparents, David & Eva Ruck and
one special aunt, Sandra Ruck Green.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Terri Estes Ruck of Curry, Alabama, two daughters, Kimberly Ruck Sharp of Bastrop, Louisiana and Tabitha Ruck Ewald (Daniel) of Berry, Alabama, grandchildren Colt Fry of Altus, Oklahoma, Ariel Ruck of Petersburg, West Virginia, Julia Ruck of Jasper, Alabama, Elijah and AdaGrace Sharp of Bastrop, Louisiana and Ariat, Bowen and Calvin Ewald of Berry, Alabama. One sister, Teresa Ruck Russell of Calera, Alabama. Also, left to cherish his memory are a host of brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Tim began his working life at just 13 years of age at a small corner gas station, a job that sparked a lifelong passion for automobiles. That early fascination grew into a remarkable career, ultimately leading him to earn the distinction of Gold Star ASE Master Technician for Chrysler.
Over the years, he brought his expertise to dealerships across the country, building a reputation for skill, integrity, and an unwavering love for the craft.

He graduated from Ensley High School in 1978 and while in high school answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly served with the Seabees for five years, completing assignments in Diego Garcia, Little Creek, Virginia, Adak, Alaska, and concluding his military service in Gulfport, Mississippi. Following his time in the Navy, Tim continued his commitment to service by volunteering for four years with the Semmes, Alabama Volunteer Fire Department.

In the fall of 1986, through the simple invitation of a fellow firefighter, God led Tim to a small church in Semmes, Alabama, The Bible Missionary Church-where he met Rev. Hubert Terry. It was there that the Lord began a transformative work in Tim’s heart, and he joyfully testified that God saved “this ole sinner boy’s soul.” In June of 1987, He answered the call to preach, a moment that forever changed the course of his life.

On August 1, 1989, Tim arrived at his first pastorate in Chandler, Oklahoma. Thus began a year journey of faithful ministry, shepherding congregations in Chandler, Oklahoma; Cody, Wyoming; Winnsboro, Louisiana; and Natchitoches, Louisiana. In 1993, he was ordained as an elder in the Bible Missionary Church on the Louisiana–South Texas District by Rev. Spencer Johnson. Throughout those decades of ministry, Tim poured himself into the work of the Lord-preaching in local churches, holding revivals, ministering in prisons and nursing homes, and witnessing to anyone God placed in his path. Even after retiring from full time pastoring, he continued to minister through what many came to cherish as his “text ministry,” faithfully encouraging others through scripture and prayer.

During his 18 years of ministry in Natchitoches, Tim also served his community with distinction as a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for eight years. In addition, he volunteered with Natchitoches Volunteer Fire District 6, continuing his lifelong pattern of service, sacrifice, and dedication to others.

He was an avid supporter of the National Rifleman’s Association and was a Professional Gunsmith. He worked on guns and built them with a passion. He became widely known for his custom 1911 pistols and his tactical AR-15 rifles.

Tim’s life was a living testimony of what God can do with a willing heart. Whether he wore the uniform of a sailor, the badge of a deputy, the gear of a firefighter, or the humble mantle of a pastor, he served with the same unwavering devotion, compassion, and integrity. He poured
himself out for his family, his church, his community, and most of all, for the Lord he loved so deeply.

To know Tim was to encounter kindness, sincerity, and a steady faith that never wavered, even in the hardest seasons. He preached the Gospel with conviction, lived it with joy, and shared it with anyone who would listen. His ministry did not end at a pulpit-it continued in hospital rooms, prison cells, fire stations, grocery store aisles, mechanic shop bays and in the quiet moments when a simple text message carried hope to someone who needed it.

Though his earthly journey has come to a close, the impact of his life will continue to ripple through the countless souls he touched. His legacy is etched not only in the places he served, but in the hearts of those who were changed by his prayers, his counsel, his laughter, and his unwavering love for God.

We rejoice that he has now entered the presence of the One he faithfully served for almost 40 years hearing the words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” And while we feel the weight of his absence, we also carry the light of his example-an enduring reminder to live with
purpose, to love deeply, and to follow Christ and as he told many in his last days “I’m making heaven my home, if you want to see me again you must make it too.”

The family would like to thank his care team for the phenomenal care that he received over the last year and a half. Bradley Brooks, Hannah Shedd, Brenda Blanton, Jason Jones, and everyone else who had a part in his care. He loved you all and looked forward to your daily visits.

Pallbearers: Daniel Barker, Jeff Shaw, Ed Bradshaw, Chris Johnson, David Norwood, Josh Colyer Jr, Philip Cunningham, Woody Wheeler, Bill Patterson, David Tanner, Randall Sherer, Mike Hammack, Dickey Wheeler, Larry Davis, and Joe Whitehead.

If you would like to send a tribute or a memory of Tim to the family you may at timrucktributes@gmail.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.