Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
C. Ruley Obituary
C. Dorsey Ruley, Jr.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - C. Dorsey Ruley, Jr. 68, of Corpus Christi, TX, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Betsy; children, Kellye Fabian (Steve Story) and Tracey Kline; grandchildren, Jamie, Lucy, Jaclyn and Kalyn; siblings Linda Hogan, Patricia (Mark) Brown, and Charlotte (Tom) Schwenk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Dorsey Sr., and Charlotte Ruley. Dorsey was born on April 20, 1951 in Gary, IN. He grew up in Lowell, and in the early sixties, was injured in an accident, leaving him paralyzed. Although he spent most of his life as a quadriplegic, it was marked by fullness of family and friends, competitive sailing, and meaningful work. Dorsey completed his undergraduate, MBA, and post-graduate studies in the Midwest. At Illinois Bell, he designed the first voice-controlled work station and spent his career in marketing and communications. He married Betsy in 1985 and they spent most of their 34 years in Chicago as a great team. They were friends, parents and grandparents, sailboat owners, and travel companions. Dorsey won multiple sailboat races and regattas, including the Chicago-Mackinac Race (he competed 34 times), Port Huron-Mackinac Race, the NOOD Regatta, and the Verve Cup. His boats received Chicago Boat of the Year on many occasions and he was awarded the Arthur B. Hansen Award for rescue at sea. Dorsey was a lifelong Chicago sports fan, proud supporter of the Sea Scouts, and a mentor of many young adults whom he encouraged in their education, careers, and confidence.
Dorsey traveled extensively, including to the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Costa Rica, Alaska, Columbia, Hawaii, Brazil, Paris, and through the Panama Canal. His smile, sense of humor, persevering spirit, and stubbornness will be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a small family visitation on Saturday October 19, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a family memorial service following at 12:00 p.m., all at SHEETS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 604 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell, IN 46356 (www.sheetsfuneral.com).
A celebration of life for all friends, acquaintances, and competitors will be held in Chicago, IL at a later date in November. www.sheetsfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for C. Ruley
Connie Gholson
September 10, 2020
Dorsey worked for me in Marketing Strategic Planning at Illinois Bell from 1982 to 1984. He was an extremely great guy and friend until We relocated to California in 1984. We enjoyed visiting at his boat with my husband Jim and our two sons. I still have the coffee mug he gave me as a parting gift. Glad to see he got married in 1985 and enjoyed the company of children and grandchildren. For the good times my friend !
Connie Gholson
Ron Buzil
November 30, 2019
Twenty years ago, Dorsey helped me get crew for Vayu's first Mac race and we've stayed friends all these years.
RIP Dorsey.
jon knudson
October 17, 2019
Sorry to hear the sad news; truly a great competitor and inspiration to all . Jon Knudson, Fellow Goat.
Steve Valentor
October 17, 2019
Dorsey had such a remarkably powerful personality. He taught me to sail, and was probably the most significant influence on my quest for formal education. His sense of humor was so clever, and his knowledge of any subject was well informed.
I had the privilege to sail the Verve Regatta with him a few years ago. We placed highly and it was very memorable.
He will be missed.
Jeff Comeaux
October 17, 2019
Dorsey will definitely be missed. Many memories. My condolences to Betsy, children and family.
Chuck Norris
October 17, 2019
I enjoyed helming for Dorsey on Black Magic. He had me inspect the Sydney 42 while i lived in Sydney and I was proud to be a part of his boating family. Dorsey always had a great program. Will be missed.
Bud Alden
October 17, 2019
Dorsey was an inspiration to all around him.
He will be greatly missed at all sailing events. Warmest sympathy to Betsy and family.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in C. Ruley's name
Memorial Events
for C. Ruley
Oct
19
Oct
19
How to support C.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor C. Ruley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
