U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) mourns the loss of William B. Ruger, Jr., former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Ruger. Mr. Ruger, who was the second CEO of the Company and the son of the Company’s founder, passed away this past weekend.
“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.”
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.
About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. As a full-line manufacturer of American-made firearms, Ruger offers consumers over 400 variations of more than 30 product lines. For more than 60 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®,” echoes the importance of these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.
rip mr. ruger you leave a great co god speed
my 1st ruger product was a 44mag carbine great wepon and I still have it
have or have had meany ruger thru the years not one ever failed when needed
Rest In Peace William B. Ruger Jr.
You will be sorely missed by the firearm owners of our Country.
You and Your Father’s firearms are the best and most affordable anywhere.
1997 Ruger P90 .45acp semi auto pistol in SS
2018 Ruger AR-556
Rest well Bill.
10/22
LCR 357.Mag
P94 40.cal
Mini 14
And of course my GP100 357.mag.
Most reliable affordable guns on the market.
Thank you
RIP. Bill”s Ruger SR9c is the BEST all-around handgun for affordability, compactness, availability, effectiveness, reliability, and capacity combined.
To Daniel the idiot complainer! Now tell the truth, have you ever been arrested for tipping gravestones over at the local cemetery of course, so you could embarrass your whole family while you were at it? Mr. Ruger may you R.I.P.
My condolences to the Ruger family. May he rest in peace.
Love Ruger guns .. Have had my P90DC 25+ years and recently purchased the Security 9.
Keep up the good work !!!
Of the few gun brands I currently own (Ruger, Kel-tec, and Diamondback), my Ruger SR9c is BY FAR my favorite and most reliable! Sad to hear about the passing of Bill Ruger Jr.
Sincerest condolences to the Ruger family.we have lost a great leader of an iconic American legendary company.keep making your wonderful products the way you always have..love them.I own a few.God Bless.
M.Morra
Sympathy for family’s, both personal and professional. About the junk comment, I own 10 Ruger firearms. Revolvers, semi handguns, and rifles. NONE of which have ever given me any trouble.
Quality guns and rifles… R.I.P. Mr. Ruger