Ruthman Zimmerman "Ruke" Dize, Sr., 89, of Ewell, Smith Island, died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield.

Born on Smith Island September 5, 1926, he was a son of the late William E. and Laura Alice Brimer Dize.

He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17, and served during World War II on a destroyer off of Japan with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's son. He was a waterman working many years on the Skipjack "Seagull", as well as on motor vessels "Rukie Bernice", "Miss Charlotte" and "Janie". He loved working on the water. He was also the owner of Ruke's Grocery on Ewell.

He was a member of Ewell United Methodist Church where he was a frequent soloist and traveled all over the Eastern Shore with the Smith Island Singers. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years and was an avid Yankees fan. He loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Charlotte Marie Middleton Dize of Ewell; a daughter, Bernice Evans of Crisfield; a son, Ruthman Zimmerman "Rukie" Dize, Jr. and wife Karen of Fruitland; three grandchildren, Angie Evans and Jason Evans and wife Megan, all of Crisfield and Jill Holland and husband Brian of Salisbury; six great-grandchildren, Ryan Evans, Jason Evans, Jr., William Evans, Ava Evans, Caleb Evans, and Nick Holland; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Gorman Dize and Frank Dize; and two sisters, Thelma Goodman and Pauline Grover.

Funeral services will be Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 2 PM at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Crisfield where a viewing will be one hour prior. Pastors Paul Holland, Rick Edmund, Jim Evans, and Henry Zollinhoffer will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ewell U. M. Church, Ewell, MD 21824.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com