Family desperate to hear from missing Oconee County man

OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. - Authorities in Oconee County are searching for a man who has not been seen or heard from by his family in over a week.

Chad Ruark, 42, did not show up for work on Friday and family members told investigators they have not had “confirmed” contact with him since February 23, when he was dropped off by a nephew at his home after work.

Investigators said his ex-wife did receive a text from an unknown number on Sunday, but could not confirm it was actually from him. The text read, "I found a place where I'm not the outcast. I don't care what you wo with the stuff I left, be in touch in a few weeks, Chad.” The Oconee County Sheriff's Office has asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an analysis on the cell phone text to try to determine who sent it.

Amanda Ashley said she and Ruark have an amicable relationship after a divorce nine years ago. She said he would never leave his two children, twelve year old Logan and fifteen year old Taylor.

"He didn't mention our kids. He would have at least said tell the kids I love them." she said.

The family has been busy posting fliers at businesses in Watkinsville and Oconee County. Sheriff Scott Berry said fliers are posted at almost every business in Oconee County.

Jennifer Ruark, Chad Ruark's sister in law said, "Just keep your eyes and ears open somebody must have seen Chad somewhere and we desperately want to know that he's OK."

Chad Ruark is well known in Oconee County, a third generation construction contractor and home builder. Sheriff Barry, who knows the family personally, said investigators are leaving no stone unturned.

"We've interviewed everything from Uber drivers to people who saw somebody walking down the highway. We are absolutely covering every lead we can," the sheriff said.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office said they do not have any evidence that suggests foul play, but they do want to talk to Ruark to see if he left of his own choosing. They are asking Chad or anyone who may know where he is to call Scott Berry or James Hale with the sheriff’s office at 706-769-5665.