MURPHYSBORO -- Paul Ruiz, 40, died at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2013, at his residence. He was born Sept. 19, 1972, to Jose and Carolyn (Goudy) Ruiz in Murphysboro. Paul graduated from Murphysboro High School and earned his bachelor's degree at SIU. He loved woodworking and playing basketball, board games and pool. He also loved playing the trumpet and spending time with his nephew, Alex. Survivors include his parents, Jose and Carolyn Ruiz of Marion; three brothers, Michael (Alicia) Ruiz of Herrin, Brian (Margaret) Ruiz of East Carondelet and Philip (Valentina) Ruiz of Weston, Wis.; a sister, Sylvia (John) Vercillo of Christopher; four nieces and two nephews; other relatives; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Craig Douglas Ruiz; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, in St. Andrew's Cemetery in Murphysboro with Father Gary Gummersheimer officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alexander Ruiz scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home. To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan from March 27 to April 2, 2013