William “Billy” Thomas Rude

William “Billy” Thomas Rude passed away on March 7, 2026. He was a loving partner to Elisha Wethy and a devoted father to Lexis, Khloe, and Rubie, and a proud grandfather to Macie.

Billy cherished the outdoors, fishing, and the country life he knew from his years in 4-H. He spent many years in the restaurant industry, where he formed lasting friendships while working at Sirloin Stockade, Applebee’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Fredrick Rude Sr. and Patricia Ann Wilmer Arthur, his grandmother Rubie Martin, and his great-aunt Faye Longo.

Billy is survived by his children Lexis, Khloe, and Rubie; his sisters Stephanie Tennyson and her husband Christopher, and Christine Coplin and her husband Terrence Moore; his brother Charles Rude and his wife Debra; his half-brothers James Rude and Michael Rude; his aunts Virginia Vanney and Debra Granberg; his great-uncle Mike Longo; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him deeply.