It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Lieutenant Commander Gerald P. Ruggles, U.S. Navy (Retired), on Friday, October 13th, 2017, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, due to cardiac arrest. He was 73. Jerry, who was born on July 28th, 1944 in Beaumont, Texas, was the son of Paul and Eniver Ruggles. Jerry spent 28 years in the Navy, first as an enlisted saturation diver in Vietnam, and then as a SEAL after he graduated BUDs Class 75. Jerry was chosen for the LDO program and reported to the fleet as a diving officer. After three years at sea, he returned to the “Teams,” that he loved so much.
Jerry took great pride in looking after his enlisted men and young officers; many of whom called themselves “Jerry’s kids.”
Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Crystal; his son, Paul; daughter, Charla; grandchildren: Shawn, Talawrence, Brittney, and Nathan, and Great Grandchildren: Madison, Zoi and Ashton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Ruggles.
The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 pm. At SEAL Heritage Center 1619 D. Street Building 5326 Little Creek Amphibious Base, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Memorial Contributions may be made to:
Navy SEAL Foundation
1619 D Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23459
or donate online at https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate
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Thank you, Jerry, for your service to our country and may you Rest In Peace.
Crystal and family ,it was with great sadness that I read about Jerry on the Seal notice ,you may remember having breakfast at the Waffle House yrs back with me and Cheryl ,Jerry was my First LT. on Uss Yellstone ,and he also pinned on one of my Anchors when I made Master Chief As his Senior Deck Rep ,we got along extremely well ,he knew he did not understand much of the deck stuff ,so he trusted me to run it right ,and keep him ohut of trouble ,,We also knew many of the same Shipmates ,He was a great man to work with and a Seal throughout ,I truly enjoyed working with him he will be missed ,Yours in Loyalty Protection and Service BMCM SW. TC ONEYEAR US NAVY RET 252-330-2009