Marian Ruth Derieux Akridge

RUTH DeRIEUX AKRIDGE died September 8, 2006, following a long illness. She was born on October 24, 1918, to the late William L. and Lucy Burkhart DeRieux of Whittle Springs in Knoxville, TN. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John E. Akridge, Jr., as well as her siblings: William L. DeRieux, Jr., Ralph DeRieux, and Louise Hudgens. She leaves her sons, John (Chip) E. Akridge, III, of Easton, MD, D. Steven Akridge of Falls Church, VA, and James W. Akridge of Newport News, VA. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ruth graduated from Knoxville High School proficient in typing, shorthand, and organizational skills. Mr. Guilford Glazer, who created the regional shopping center known as Downtown Oak Ridge, trained Ruth in property management after he left TN for CA in the early 60’s. Ruth managed the leasing and operations of ½ million square feet under roof for 23 years. Ruth’s detailed record-keeping and persistence enabled the first successful recovery on a roofing bond in TN. After retiring from Downtown, Ruth took on wide-ranging responsibilities in the management of Mr. Glazer’s commercial real estate properties. She and Johnny traveled by RV and stayed on-site to rehab buildings in PA, IN, CA, AZ, FL, and TN. The family thanks Mr. Glazer for extending his confidence, trust, and training in Ruth. Ruth raised her family in the Fountain City area of north Knoxville where she was president of PTA and was active in Fountain City United Methodist Church. She was proud of her seven Eagle Scouts: 3 sons and 4 grandsons. In 1985, she and Johnny moved to Smoot Lane in Louisville, TN. She loved the view from their place on the hill over the lake. They hosted groups of their RV friends and Lions Club picnics on their well-maintained grounds. Ruth was an avid gardener and an exceptional bridge player and teacher. She was active in the Broadway United Methodist Church, including the service ministry of FRiNs. Ruth’s final project was the design and construction of her lovely villa in the Maryville Shannondale retirement community where she moved in Jan. 2006. The family thanks Minister Daniel F. Moore and the church, the staff of Maryville Shannondale Health Care Center, and especially Ms. Carolyn Moats, companion, for their caring support during her final months. The family will receive friends 5:30-7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2006 at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, 220 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37801 (865) 982-6812. Minister Moore will lead a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2006 at Broadway United Methodist Church, 309 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery for family only. Memorial gifts may be made to the church.