Ray R. Ruby, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Corporal Ray R. Ruby, ID 3916.

Corporal Ruby was born on May 22nd, 1961 in Ashland, Kentucky. Corporal Ruby passed away at the age of 64 on Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood Florida. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Corporal Ruby bravely fought a prolonged battle after a heart and kidney transplant.

Corporal Ruby started his law enforcement career in 1983 with the South Bay Police Department. He was an Officer and K9 Handler (Murphy) with the Belle Glade Police Department before joining the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 1988. His first assignment was road patrol at District 5 and further became a decorated K9 Handler (Argoz & Nasso) and K9 Trainer. Deputy Ruby’s career included SWAT/SRT, Bike Unit, Dignitary Protection, International Liaison team to Israel and finally to his most beloved work at PBSO in the Training Division. Deputy Ruby is the recipient of countless distinguished Service Awards with PBSO to include the Meritorious Service Medal. One of his proudest achievements is his collaboration with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue in a joint development of the “PEM” training. This training for both Law Enforcement and Firefighters/paramedics is currently used nationwide saving countless lives involved in mass casualty incidents.

Regardless of whether he was in the classroom, on the range, or even in a hallway conversation, he passionately educated, enlightened, and even entertained each of us at PBSO and others abroad. His career goal was to make everyone smarter and safer while on the job; coupled with his personal goal of protecting his family and watching his two grandchildren grow up in a safer Palm Beach County, Corporal Ruby truly defines the meaning “To Protect and to Serve”.

Corporal Ruby is survived by his daughter Shirley Simmons (Charles), two adored grandchildren (Jacob & Sarah Simmons), his sister Kathy Ruby, Aunt Carol Damron, several cousins and his extended family at PBSO.

His Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Fellowship Church Westlake, on Thursday June 4th, 2026 at 10:30am.