John A. Rudisill, Jr.

John A. Rudisill, Jr. of Hendersonville died at Pardee Hospital on Thursday, August 29, 2013.

Born on August 4, 1925 in Kingsville, TX, he was the son of the late John A. Rudisill and Virginia Martin Rudisill. He was also preceded in death by his former wife of 30 years, Ruth Carter Rudisill; his sister, Katherine; and his brother, Michael.

When John was five, his family returned to North Carolina where he spent his school years, graduating from Gibsonville High School in 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve and was sent to Bainbridge, Md., for his basic training and for further training in electronics to Chicago and the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC. He was assigned to the US Ranger, an aircraft carrier, where he worked in electronics and radar.

After discharge from the Navy in 1946, he attended Duke University, graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in electrical engineering. While at Duke, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi. After taking a summer school course at the University of Michigan, he started work at Western Electric Company where he worked for 21 years on the government missile program, mainly the Spartan program, taking trips to Kwajalein Island. In 1967, he received his MS degree in engineering science, now a part of Bell Telephone Labs. He was transferred to New Jersey in 1977, retired in 1988, and moved to Hendersonville in 1999. He was a member of Mensa.

He leaves his wife of 29 years, Ruth Rudisill of Hendersonville; a daughter, Pamela (Neil) of Burlington, formerly of Siesta Key, Fla.; twin grandsons, Christopher and Taylor and their families; two brothers, William (Irene) of Julian and Jason (Nell) of Titusville, Fla.; several nieces and nephews; and six stepchildren and their families.

A private graveside service was held Sept. 3, 2013, at the Gibsonville Town Cemetery. A memorial celebration of John's life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.17, 2013, at the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow at Lake Pointe Landing.

John was proud of his Navy service. He lived a full and productive life with many diverse interests. His family and many friends will miss him.

Memorials may be made to the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, 204 Sixth Ave West, Hendersonville, NC 28739, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville is assisting the family with arrangements.