Toriano De'Andre Rueda "Tory"

Our loving son, father, and uncle passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love.

He was born on April 26, 1990, in Saginaw, Michigan. Tory was a graduate of Buena Vista High School, the Class of 2010. Tory had a magnetic personality that drew people towards him. He never met a stranger; Tory had a great sense of humor and could light up any room with his infectious smile.   He was the life of any family gathering or party.  His warm nature made him incredibly loving, protective, and respectful towards his loved ones. One of Tory's greatest joys in life was traveling with his father and ultimately was the apple of his mother’s eye. He loved to dress and put together outfits, write music and make everyone laugh. He was Mr. Hollywood, a one man show! Above all else, spending time with his family brought Tory immeasurable joy. The love he had for each family member was unwavering.

Tory is survived by his parents Toriano Smith and Valerie Rueda (Rob Hilburn). Their love for him knew no bounds, and they supported him through all of life's ups and downs. Tory was a devoted father to his children: Toriano Jr., Chace, Kayden and Cali; nieces, Kayla, Alaya and Paris, aunts and uncles, Rudy (Stacy) Rueda, II, Cynthia Rueda, Stefanie Wood, Julian (Erica) Taylor; great-aunts and uncles, Tony Stevenson, Lance Stevenson, Earlene Barnes, Gloria Thompson, Ray Karl (Lisa) Smith, Richard Smith, Frances Oviedo and Tom (Diana) Garcia.  Sparkle Davis was Tory's beloved companion and a source of strength during their time together. Countless cherished cousins including, Rudy (Ashley) Rueda, III, Reese Wood, Mike Rueda, who he loved as brothers. Tory also leaves behind his sister-in-love Tovonna Hannah, and Jaquis O’Daniels, whom he loved like a sister he never had, the mothers of his children; Danae, Courtney, and Shakarie; God-parents Regina and Juan Hilburn; God-sisters Ja’Shawn, Jazmine and Ja’La Hilburn; many, many relatives, too many friends to name and his BV family.

His late brother Paris Rueda held a special place in Tory's heart, and their bond was unbreakable. He also was predeceased by his son, Tacorion Rueda,  grandparents, Rudy and Maria Rueda, Carolyn Smith, Julian Stevenson, uncle, Charles "Chucky" Smith, cousins, Lonnie Wood, Jr. and Crystal Rueda; great-grandparents, Juanita “Big Ma” and Richard Smith, Betty and Cole Stevenson, Inez and John Bull, and Cora and Jose Rueda.

Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street, Saginaw.  Apostle Ron Frierson will officiate with private family burial services.  Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, on Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a fund to be established for Tory's Children.