February 5, 1959 — January 31, 2026
Carlos Francisco Ruiz of Calhoun passed away on Saturday January 31. 2026 at his residence.
Carlos is the husband of Lynn Dee McDonald, native to Calhoun. The couple returned to Calhoun from Marietta in September of 2018.
Carlos was born on February 5. 1959 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Rudolfo Ruiz and Dolores Cortez Ruiz. The family moved from Brooklyn, New York to Jonesboro, Georgia in 1973 and Carlos never lost his Brooklyn accent.
He was highly skilled in martial arts and held a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo along with training in Shinkendo. Carlos was an avid Star Wars fan and collector and enjoyed dressing in costume as Darth Vader. He had a huge heart and a deep love for animals, particularly his beloved kitties. Throughout the years Carlos frequently rescued cats in need. Anyone asking for care services for their pets during travel, Carlos was happy to help.
Carlos and Lynn Dee enjoyed traveling and did so extensively to Hawaii, particularly Kihei, his favorite destination in the islands with 7 visits in the last 15 years.
The couple traveled to the Baltics, Helsinki, Gydnia, Klaipeda, Copenhagen, Prague, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Vienna, Kusadasi, Sicily, Sorrento and Rhodes.
They visited Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Ranger Field and Truist Park, upon opening day.
Carlos and Lynn Dee attended Super Bowl games including XXVIII Dallas vs Buffalo and XXXIV St. Louis Rams vs Tennessee Titans, both in Atlanta and XXXVII Oakland Raider vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers in San Diego.
Carlos is a beloved member of the Calhoun Elks Lodge where he formerly served as Lodge Esquire. He was a dedicated volunteer in all facets from food prep, to the golf shop and he was the most revered Bingo Caller. Carlos dressed in tuxedo on the opening night and the bingo ladies loved it.
A celebration to remember the life of Carlos Ruiz will be held on Saturday March 7 from 2-4pm at the Calhoun Elks Lodge, 143 Craigtown Road NE Calhoun GA 30701.
In lieu of flowers donations to local animal shelters are appreciated.
You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com
Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Carlos Francisco Ruiz.
