Danville has lost a great leader and a great person.
Early this morning, Danville City Council member and former Mayor Ruby Archie passed away at the age of 76. She had taught in the Danville Public School system for 37 years before her retirement then embarked on a 16-year political career with City Council.
Ruby was an inspiration to me as a GWHS student and was one of the best teachers I ever had. She always had the right words of encouragement to lead me into doing my best. When I attended my first City Council meeting and announced the plans for SouthsideCentral, after the meeting she came over and wished me the best. Ruby was a faithful SouthsideCentral reader and often told me her opinions on what I had written.
When I made the WMDV-TV presentation in front of City Council earlier this month, I glanced over to Ruby and saw her smiling. It was one of those smiles that said “Another one of my former students has gone on to do good things for my city”, and I smiled back at her.
Danville won’t be the same without you, Ruby.
Mrs. Archie was one of a kind. Never met a stranger. Always walked off with a smile on your face after talking to her.
I saw her at the last council meeting. I remember standing beside her and Clarke came over and gave her a box of green pens to use. Not sure what the point was but i guess she liked writing and the ink be green.
Years ago after she was no longer Mayor of Danville I would still call her Mayor Archie. She still liked that. She was also a very big supporter for our ment and women in blue. I know they will miss her support.