Billy Wayne Ruby Sr., age 77, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home in Sikeston, Missouri.

He was born July 22, 1943 in Portageville, Missouri, son of the late Green and Dolly McCalister Ruby.

He was of the Baptist faith; a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam War; an active member of Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114; and was co-founder of Heartland Wrestling Club.  He worked as Facilities Manager for Fleming/Malone & Hyde for 34 years before retiring.

On April 2, 1963, at Hayti, Missouri, he married JoAnn Byington Ruby; who preceded him in death June 29, 2015.

He is survived by four sons, Terry (Deborah) Ruby of Cedar Creek, Texas, Billy (Kecia) Ruby of Bradenton, Florida, Danny Ruby of Paragould, Arkansas, and Johnny (Amanda) Ruby of Venetta, Oregon; two daughters, Lisa (Anthony) Angle and Michelle (Randy) Dukes both of Sikeston; and Sarah Ruby of Sikeston; one sister, Brenda (Roger) McCloud of Russellville, Arkansas; 16 grandchildren, Rebekah Ruby, Rachel Ruby, Josh Ruby, Jacob Ruby, Ashley Angle, Blake Angle, Tatum Ruby, Amber Dukes, Kelli Dukes, Max Dukes, Dustin Ruby, Miranda Ruby, Audrey Ruby, Ray Ruby, Bryce Ruby, and Levi Ruby; and 5 great-grandchildren, Hayden Christine Ruby, Mason Ruby, Jackson Ruby, Rivers Ruby, and Brennen Chamberlain.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Leary 'Mickey' Briggs.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home, where there will be a private funeral service held later.

Interment will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield with full military honors.

Pallbearers will be Terry Ruby, Billy Ruby Jr., Johnny Ruby, Danny Ruby, Dustin Ruby, Blake Angle, Max Dukes, Josh Ruby, and Jacob Ruby.

Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Angle, Randy Dukes, Ray Ruby, Bryce Ruby, and Levi Ruby.