John Thomas Rugg III

John Thomas Rugg III, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, at St Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday, November 10, 2022. 

He was born December 16, 1950, to his loving parents John Thomas Jr. and Rita Glasgow Rugg, growing up in Beaumont, TX. After graduating from French High School in 1969, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, before beginning his career as a Pipeline Welder. J.T. would be the first to tell you he was a member of the Unofficial Hot Pass Hall of Fame. He moved to Sour Lake in 1984, when he married Darlene, his wife of 38 years. J.T. had a passion for cars, trucks, vintage tractors, and his recently purchased Harley. He enjoyed going to the casino, having just booked his annual birthday trip to Las Vegas. The thing he prized most was being home with his family; their house was the hub of family activities, birthdays, holidays, and a place that all were welcome to spend their time, often hang out. There are no words to describe how much he was loved and the void he leaves in our lives.  Being a great dad and “PawPaw” was the proudest accomplishments in his life, and his caring and attentive commitment to their wellbeing and needs will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

Left to honor his memory is his wife, Darlene Rugg; children, Jessica Rugg, Kacy Rugg and fiancé, Phillip Reyes, and John Thomas Rugg IV and fiancé, Julia Odom; grandchildren, Justen Gravett and wife, Ashley Gravett, Micah Gravett, Rowan Reyes, and Ava Rugg; great-grandchildren, Riley Gravett, Landon Gravett, and Ashton Everett; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding him in death are his parents and stepchildren, Patricia Gravett Andrus and JoJo Gravett.  

Visitation with friends and family will be Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657. J.T.’s life honoring graveside gathering will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2022, at Rosedale Cemetery, Sour Lake, TX, with Chaplain Joe Persohn officiating.

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