Reuben Kruger, 90, of Fitzgerald, Georgia died Sunday, March 20, 2011 at his home.
Graveside services will be held 1 PM, Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation Cemetery with Cantor Nancy Kassel and Allan Tanenbaum co-officiating. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Monday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Kruger was born April 15, 1920 in Fitzgerald, GA, to the late Abe and Lillian Kulbersh Kruger. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1938 before attending the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a degree in Business/Finance. As a member of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, Reuben was known for his card playing ability as well as for his moves on the dance floor. He liked to say he earned a graduate degree in Big Bands.
After college, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army. After he was rejected due to deafness caused by a childhood infection, Mr. Kruger went to work as a civilian for the Army Air Corps in Warner Robins. Finally accepted by the Army Air Corps, he remained stateside, first at Ft. McPherson outside Atlanta, then in Mobile, AL, where he met his wife Constance Ackman. They were married for over 63 years.
As the proprietor of Reuben’s Shoes, he was a 35-year fixture in the Fitzgerald business community. His was a familiar voice on local radio, voicing his own self-written commercials, often about his semi-annual 1-cent sales. He was a leader in several civic organizations, including Lions and Elks clubs and the Downtown Business Association. After his retirement, Reuben remained active as president of the Fitzgerald Country Club, president of the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation and chairman of the Ben Hill County Board of Tax Assessors.
Throughout his life, Reuben remained an enthusiastic supporter of UGA Bulldog football and was especially happy to share that passion with his grandsons. He was honored recently with the distinction of being the oldest living person to have played football for the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes, his high school alma mater.
He is survived by his wife: Connie Kruger of Fitzgerald; daughters: Barbara Kruger of Decatur and Anne Beckman and her husband Paul of Roswell, grandsons: Adam Beckman of Sandy Springs and David Beckman of Atlanta; as well as a sister: Evelyn Edwards and her husband Ralph of Tifton.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, c/o Phil Perlis, Big Store, 346 Main Street, Tifton, GA 31794.