[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E654-E655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CHARLES WALTER ``WALT'' RUCKEL, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved Charles Walter ``Walt'' Ruckel, Jr. 
Throughout Northwest Florida, Walt Ruckel was known for his warm 
nature, immense generosity, dedicated service to his local community 
and, above all, his never-ending love for his family. Walt Ruckel is 
survived by 8 children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

[[Page E655]]

  Walt Ruckel was a true Northwest Floridian, born and raised on the 
Gulf Coast. After graduating from high school, he attended Davidson 
College and North Georgia College as part of the U.S. Army Specialized 
Training Reserve Program. Upon completion of his training, Mr. Ruckel 
entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as an airplane 
mechanic before being honorably discharged in 1947. In 1948, he 
graduated from Soule Business College in New Orleans and returned to 
his native Northwest Florida where he began a distinguished career in 
the Northwest Florida business community. Mr. Ruckel took a position 
working as a bank teller and bookkeeper at Valparaiso State Bank in 
Valparaiso, Florida, where he quickly established himself, rising to 
become Assistant Vice President in 1950 before becoming President of 
the bank in 1951. Mr. Ruckel continued to serve at the bank as Chairman 
of the Board until 2004.
  Mr. Ruckel's immense pride in his local community inspired him to 
pursue a career in real estate and property development. In 1955, he 
founded Ruckel Properties, which continues to serve the Northwest 
Florida community today. Through Mr. Ruckel's leadership, Ruckel 
Properties has developed countless homes and businesses in Northwest 
Florida and has been a driving force in the development of the cities 
of Niceville and Valparaiso.
  In addition to his work in the Northwest Florida business community, 
Walt Ruckel was also a noted civic leader. He was a founding member of 
the Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club, where he served as President from 
1954 to 1955 and was twice named the club's ``Man of the Year.'' Mr. 
Ruckel truly believed in the value of community service, and he 
remained active in the Rotary Club until his passing, helping to 
organize and volunteer at the club's latest fundraiser. His steadfast 
dedication to serving his community extended beyond the Rotary Club, 
and he was active in many other civic organizations, including the 
local Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Boy Scouts of America.
  Northwest Florida is also home to numerous military installations, 
and Mr. Ruckel was a strong supporter of the servicemen and women and 
their families who form such an integral part of our local community. 
Mr. Ruckel served as Chairman of the Air Force Armament Museum 
Foundation, where he helped lead a successful effort to raise more than 
$1 million for the construction of the Air Force Armament Museum, 
located at Eglin Air Force Base.
  All those who had the fortune of meeting Walt Ruckel were blessed by 
his kindness and generosity, and his impact on Northwest Florida will 
never be forgotten. To some, Walt Ruckel will be remembered as an 
invaluable member and leader of the Northwest Florida community, to 
others, an honorable member and strong supporter of our Armed Forces. 
To his friends and family, Walt Ruckel will most fondly be remembered 
as a loving and committed family man.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pride to honor the life of Walt Ruckel and his living legacy. 
Northwest Florida has truly suffered a great loss with his passing, and 
my wife Vicki joins me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to the 
entire Ruckel family.

                          ____________________