Like his father before him, Richard was a devoted coal miner, rarely taking a day off for 25 years. Family was the most important thing to Richard, who rarely missed one of his children's sporting events, recitals, or school functions. Not long after tornadoes ripped through Alabama on April 27, 2011, Richard was named the Volunteer Construction Coordinator for the Long Term Recovery Committee and led the reconstruction of over 200 homes, receiving a commendation from Governor Robert Bentley. After his death, when asked in the hospital about the possibility of donating his organs, there was no hesitation by his family. "Richard had made it clear that if he could help others in his passing, he undoubtedly wanted to do so," said his daughter.

Richard's Story

Richard Ruble did more in his 52 years than most people could do in twice that many.

Like his father before him, Richard was a devoted coal miner. He worked in the mines for 25 years, rarely taking a day off. On top of his career, he was also a member of the volunteer fire department, receiving his EMT certification and scuba diving license by the age of 24.

Family was obviously the most important thing to Richard. He made sure his family had a comfortable and happy lifestyle, the kind that many people can only dream about. At 4 a.m. every morning, Richard could be found reading his bible before work, so when he arrived home in the evenings he could devote his time to family. Despite his long work hours, it was a rare occasion that Richard ever missed one of his children's sporting events, recitals, or school functions. It was not uncommon to see him sitting in the stands still wearing dirty clothes from the mines.

In 2006, Richards's life, and the life of his family, took a drastic turn. He was injured on the job, leaving him permanently disabled. What hurt him the most wasn't the physical pain of being unable to walk without support, but the pain of simply not being able to work for his family.

After several years of Richard searching to make sense of his injury and live with his disability, tornadoes ripped through Alabama on April 27, 2011. The day after the tornado, Richard set out to do everything he possibly could to help. He began preparing food for those in need and coordinating disaster recovery for Walker County.

Not long after the tornadoes, Richard was named the Volunteer Construction Coordinator for the Long Term Recovery Committee and led the reconstruction of over 200 homes. Richard received a commendation from Governor Robert Bentley in recognition of his efforts, although in typical fashion he was hesitant to accept, reinforcing his reputation as a "Humble Hero."

Everyone that Richard came in contact with during this time loved him, and it certainly showed on January 15 at his funeral. The sanctuary was filled with stories about what Richard had done to help other. He never expected anything in return; he just wanted to help.

When asked in the hospital about the possibility of donating his organs, there was no hesitation by his family. "Richard had made it clear that if he could help others in his passing, he undoubtedly wanted to do so," said his daughter. "We find peace in knowing that even though he is no longer here to help us, or to cheer us on in the stands, we know his legacy not only lives on through us, but also in those to whom he gave a second chance at life."