William B. Ruger, Jr. passed away over the weekend. He was 79 years old.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ruger family as they are mourning the loss of former CEO William B. Ruger, Jr.
Bill was the company’s second CEO and the son of the company’s founder William B. Ruger, Sr. When Bill Sr. retired in 2000, Bill took over and spent six years at the helm of the Connecticut-based company before joining his father in retirement in 2006. He passed away over the weekend at the age of 79.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill, who was integral to the foundation and early success of this company,” said Chris Killoy, President and CEO of Ruger. “Bill’s 42 years of loyal service to the Company has had a lasting impact that is still felt today. We will sincerely miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
More from the press release:
Bill joined Ruger in 1964 and worked in a variety of manufacturing and engineering positions within the Company. In 1970, he became a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. The following year, he was named Vice President of Manufacturing of the Southport Firearms Division. Just a few years later Bill was promoted to Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and, in 1991, was named President of the Company. He became Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Executive Officer in 1995, and reassumed the duties of President and Chief Operating Officer in 1998. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer upon William B. Ruger, Sr.’s retirement in 2000. Bill officially retired from the Company in February of 2006.
Mr. Ruger was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1939. He graduated from Harvard College in 1961 where he studied engineering and applied physics. Before joining Ruger, Bill worked for the Kel Corporation of Belmont, Massachusetts as an electronics engineer.
Bill was a member of the Executive Committee of the Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute and various other trade associations, a trustee of St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, and a trustee of the Buffalo Bill Memorial Association of Cody, Wyoming.
My prayers out to his family during this time. The Firearm industry lost a valuable man for sure. I have many Ruger firearms in my armory that I started back in the mid 70’s. Enjoy every Ruger I own and has never failed nor let me down. Hopefully Heaven received a good man.
My thoughts are with his family, friends and Ruger associates. I own more Rutgers than any other brand because they are rugged, reliable and accurate. An R1 has been on my wish list for a long time because I could never decide on a caliber. Wish I could have gotten some advice from Bill. Thanks, Bill for all the great work you did for us over the past decades.
I work for Ruger back in the 70s. My dad and my Uncle Tony work with Bill Roger Sr. in 1949. My Dad left Ruger because of Health Problem , My Uncle Tony Retire form Ruger in the 70s.. Back in the 49 or 50s Bill Ruger took on a Partner name Strum and the company become Strun Ruger till the late 70 & 80 then it slowly changed back over to Ruger. It was one of the best company to work for in Ct. The Ruger Family took care of there employee Family outings, for all the employee and the family. Mr. Ruger was a great person to work and his 2 sons and Daughter to. So sorry to here that Bill Ruger. Jr. pass a way . RIP Bill
God’s Speed Bill. I’ve only read articles and seen video clips of Mr. Ruger, but I own Rugers and feel they are one of the Best firearms made. My small collection of #1’s and various others Rugers will remain my favorites. Bill left many “Favorites” in millions of Gun Safes. The 10/22…Single Six…#1…Ruger Carbine…M77, and a .22 Semi Auto pistol I have is 68 years old and still cutting Bulls eyes. I think the word I’m looking for is Legacy. Thank you Bill !
Hear Hear.
A solid family, making solid products. I’m saddened at the pain his passing presents his family, but I am grateful to own products of his life works.