Samuel Charles Ruble was born in Trion, Georgia on June 19th, 1934 to Thomas John Ruble & Vera Isabella Fairchild Ruble. Sam had an older sister, Nancy Jane. He married Mattie Jean Stockton on June 26th, 1959. They went on to have 4 children. Sam was a church of Christ preacher's son & a very "active" young man. He instigated & participated in all types of shenanigans & found himself in precarious situations throughout his youth! He never completely crossed the line, but tested the boundaries many times! His family lived in many different cities, towns & states, wherever his father was preaching at the time, but Sam graduated from Abilene Christian High School, Abilene TX.

In 1955, Sam joined the US Navy & was assigned to the USS Los Angeles, operating out of Long Beach, CA. He served in the Navy from 1955-1958. When not deployed in the western & south Pacific, the USS Los Angeles sailed between California & the Hawaiian Islands. During his time in the Navy, he rose to the rank of Navigation Quartermaster & steered the ship in & out of many ports in the western & south Pacific from Japan to Australia working on the bridge, specializing in maps, charts & oceanography. One time while on leave in Texas visiting his parents, Sam met Mattie. After his time in the Navy, he moved to Waco, TX & not too long after, married Mattie. They were married almost 64 years. He worked many different jobs throughout his life but mostly in a customer service capacity. That was definitely his forte'! Sam never met a stranger & always had a big smile on his face for anyone he encountered! He & Mattie lived in many different cities & towns with their children in Texas & Oklahoma, but settled in Oklahoma City in their later years.

Sam loved to sing & was the song leader in many of the church of Christ locations he & his family attended. He had a love of song books & gathered many through the years, dating back to the late 1800's. Some he purchased & many that were given to him as a gift. His collection amassed to almost 425! In earlier years he always carried several books around in the car to be able to sing a few songs randomly with friends.

Sam loved God, he loved his family, he loved the Navy & he loved to sing. He stayed true to his faith throughout the years & was looking forward to meeting God & Jesus, & to seeing his family again. Sam is predeceased in death by his wife Mattie Ruble, father & mother Tom & Vera Ruble, sister Nancy Ball & son in law Joe Holland. Sam is survived by his children Jacque Glasgow & husband Bob, Darla Holland, Karen Holland & husband Fred, Les Ruble & wife Crystal, grandchildren Melanie Veloso & husband Tony, Kristen York & husband Ricky, Amanda Holland, Alysse Holland, Laura Holder & husband Trevor & David Ruble & wife Faith. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews & friends beyond measure. Sam was a larger-than-life personality. He lived a long life with a huge heart, a great sense of humor & an enormous amount of love for all. He will be greatly missed by all of those who loved him!

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Southern Ridge Church of Christ, 2237 SW 134th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73170, 405-378-0701. No viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rock Creek Youth Camp, C/O Southern Ridge Church of Christ, 2237 SW 134th Street, OKC, OK 73170.