Trending
Daniel A. Ruley Jr., died on March 21, 2023, at his home on Muddy Creek Mountain in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, WV.
Dan was born in Parkersburg on February 28, 1928, the seventh of seven children. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1946, from West Virginia University in 1951, and from the WVU College of Law in 1955. Dan spent most of his life in Parkersburg, practicing law and engaging in community service. Early in his career, he served as the City Attorney, and later, as a Judge on the West Virginia Court of Claims. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Over his 52-year career, he helped thousands of people resolve legal problems.
As President of the Lincoln School PTA, Dan led the installation of the outdoor basketball court on the school grounds, likewise helping thousands of children to play that game. He was a longtime member of the Parkersburg Rotary Club, serving as President in 1972-73. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Parkersburg YMCA, the Wood County Chapter of the American Red Cross (where he was a regular blood donor), the Wood County Public Library, and the North Hills Swim and Racquet Club, as well as the Vestry and Board of Trustees of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Dan's military service included enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946 and serving on Guam, serving as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, and continuing for decades in the U.S Army Reserve, culminating with the rank of Colonel. For 18 years, he served as the regional liaison officer for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, assisting many young people in gaining admission and attending that institution.
Dan is survived by his wife, Diana Everett, by his children Alan, Doug, and Anne, and by six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Parkersburg, WV. Anyone wishing to remember Dan is invited to make a contribution in his honor to the charity of your choice.