From his early days in Sand Springs to becoming a pillar of the community and a respected business leader, John Rudy’s legacy is a testament to dedication and service. His contributions to both his profession and community have made a lasting impact.
John Rudy, born in 1935 in Tulsa, OK, and a proud 1953 graduate of Sand Springs High School, dedicated his life to both his family business and his community. After high school, John attended the University of Tulsa for two years while working part-time at R-K Motors. He later transferred to the University of Oklahoma, but family responsibilities prompted him to return home and manage R-K Motors at just 21 years old, overseeing 20 employees.
John completed his degree in Business Management and Marketing in 1960 and continued his full-time career at R-K Motors. His exceptional work earned him a Ford Motor Company award for over 50 years of continuous operation in Sand Springs. In 1972, John expanded the business by purchasing land and relocating the dealership. Later, R-K Motors was sold to the Noller Automotive Group, and John, along with local supporters, facilitated the sale of the dealership property to Tulsa Tech for a new Sand Springs Campus.
John’s community involvement is extensive: he was an original donor to the SSEF “Box Supper,” served as a Sand Springs councilman, was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a 50+ year member of the Sand Springs Rotary. His commitment to his hometown was recognized in 2009 when he was named a Hometown Hero. John is married to Elva, a fellow Sandite, and is the proud father of four daughters, all of whom graduated from Charles Page High School.