Richard Eugene Ruel, Jr.

Richard Eugene Ruel, Jr, 48, a North Fort Myers, Florida resident for the last 20 years, formerly of Lakeland, Florida and Grand Rapids, MI, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Fort Myers, FL.  He was born on January 1, 1977 in Milwaukee, WI. 

Rich was of the Christian faith.  He grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon, Michigan. Attending Mona Shores High School. He lived his life as a passionate sports fan enjoying his favorite Football teams the New England Patriots and University of Michigan Wolverines. He most recently attended his favorite baseball team arena, The Atlanta Braves with some of his closest buddies. Rich often spoke of his attendance at The Michigan Red Wings Hockey Stanley Cup game. He had a love for going disc golfing and fishing with his family and friends.  He lived his life full of adventures and always loved to make others laugh with his Beavis and Butthead impressions. He spent many years sharing his love of WWE  Professional Wrestling with his family and friends.  Rich had many talents to include his ability to create many construction master pieces over the years to his recent career managing a great restaurant. Rich spent time with his coworkers adding a happy environment at Downtown House of Pizza in Fort Myers, Florida.

He is survived by his loving mother, Jay Ann Ruel, of Muskegon, MI; two children, Kloey Beach and Curtis, Veronica Helton, his sister, Brandy Thomas as well as his longtime companion, Tandy Hartley and her daughter Madeleine Hartley. He is survived by his nephew Dakota and Jerilynne Cripe, his nieces Sara Anes, Cassandra Anes, Mary Thomas, and Jamie Thomas. His grandchildren Vaeh, Landon, Wyatt, Natalia, Josephina,  Helena Helton. He leaves behind great nephews and many cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard Eugene Ruel, Sr., his daughter, Gabrielle Ruel, and his brother-in-law, CW2 Daniel Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with the Family accepting friends for a time of visitation at 10:00 am at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33916. A celebration of Richs life will be held in Muskegon, Michigan at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Kloey Beach 3811, E. McMillan Rd, Twin Lake, MI 49457 and TLC Recovery Center 2516, Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901 in memory of Richard Ruel.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.