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<div class=Section1>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center;
line-height:92%'>As filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2006</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:4.0in;text-align:center;
text-indent:.5in;line-height:92%'>Registration No. 333-</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:92%'>&nbsp;<hr color="#000080"><br clear=ALL>
</p>



<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br>
</b>WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>FORM
S-8<br>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT<br>
UNDER<br>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<br>
</b>__________</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>RUDDICK
CORPORATION<br>
</b>(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)</p>



<div align="center">



<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='border-collapse:collapse'>
 <tr>
  <td width=319 valign=top style='width:239.4pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>North Carolina<br>
	</b>(State of Other Jurisdiction<br>
	of Incorporation or Organization)</p>

  </td>
  <td width=319 valign=top style='width:239.4pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>56-0905940<br>
	</b>(I.R.S. Employer<br>
	Identification No.)<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=319 valign=top style='width:239.4pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800<br>
	Charlotte, North Carolina<br>
	</b>(Address of Principal Executive
  Offices)</p>
  </td>
  <td width=319 valign=top style='width:239.4pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>28202<br>
	</b>(Zip Code)</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

</div>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>RUDDICK CORPORATION<br>
RUDDICK CORPORATION DIRECTOR DEFERRAL
PLAN<br>
</b>(Full Title of
the Plan)</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>DOUGLAS J. YACENDA<br>
Secretary<br>
Ruddick Corporation<br>
301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800<br>
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202<br>
</b>(Name and Address
of Agent for Service)</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>(704) 372-5404<br>
</b>Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'>Copy to:</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;'><b>RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.<br>
Helms Mulliss &amp; Wicker, PLLC<br>
201 North Tryon Street<br>
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202<br>
Telephone:&nbsp;
(704) 343-2149</b></p>
<div align="center">



<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='margin-left:36.9pt;border-collapse:collapse'>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid'>
  <td width=534 colspan=5 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>CALCULATION
  OF REGISTRATION FEE</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:34.45pt'>
  <td width=107 valign=bottom style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:34.45pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>Title of Each
  Class of Securities to<br>
  <u>be Registered</u></p>
  </td>
  <td width=103 valign=bottom style='width:77.4pt;border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:34.45pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>Amount to be<br>
  <u>Registered</u></p>
  </td>
  <td width=110 valign=bottom style='width:1.15in;border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:34.45pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>Proposed
  Maximum Offering Price<br>
  <u>Per Share*</u></p>
  </td>
  <td width=107 valign=bottom style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:34.45pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>Proposed
  Maximum Aggregate<br>
  <u>Offering Price*</u></p>
  </td>
  <td width=107 valign=bottom style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:34.45pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>Amount of<br>
  <u>Registration Fee</u></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:22.8pt'>
  <td width=107 valign=top style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.8pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:5.0pt;'>Common Stock</p>

  </td>
  <td width=103 valign=top style='width:77.4pt;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.8pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>500,000
  Shares</p>
  </td>
  <td width=110 valign=top style='width:1.15in;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.8pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>$23.77</p>
  </td>
  <td width=107 valign=top style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.8pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>$11,885,000</p>
  </td>
  <td width=107 valign=top style='width:80.1pt;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.8pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:center;
  '>$1,272</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>



</div>



<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>*Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and computed
according to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on
the average of the high and low sale prices of Ruddick Corporation Common Stock
reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 13, 2006.</p>

</div>

<hr color="#000080"><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>


<div class=Section2>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>PART I.&nbsp; INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>The
document(s) containing the information specified in this Part I will be sent or
given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &quot;Securities Act&quot;).&nbsp; Such documents need
not be filed with the Commission either as part of this registration statement
or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated
under the Securities Act.&nbsp; These documents and the documents incorporated by
reference in the registration statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this
form, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of
Sections 10(a) of the Securities Act (the &quot;Prospectus&quot;).</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>PART II.&nbsp; INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>Item 3.&nbsp; Incorporation of
Documents by Reference.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>The following
documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the &quot;Commission&quot;) are incorporated by reference herein and in the Prospectus
constituting a part of this Registration Statement:</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended October 2, 2005, filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &quot;Exchange Act&quot;);</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2006, filed pursuant to Section
13 of the Exchange Act; </p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Current Reports
on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2005 and February 17, 2006; and</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The description of the
Registrant's Common Stock contained in its Registration Statement filed
pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act and all amendments and reports filed
for the purpose of updating such description, including the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed December 15, 2000.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Any document
filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act (but not any information that we may furnish
that is not deemed to be filed) subsequent to the effectiveness of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
hereto which either indicates that all securities offered hereto have been sold
or deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus and
to be a part hereof and thereof from the date of filing of such documents.&nbsp; Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Registration Statement and the Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or therein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies
or supersedes such statement.&nbsp; Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this Registration Statement or the Prospectus.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 12.0pt" align="center">
2</p>
<hr>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>The Registrant
will provide without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered,
on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the
documents incorporated herein and in the Prospectus by reference (other than
exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference
in such documents).&nbsp; Written requests for such copies should be directed to
Douglas&nbsp;J. Yacenda, Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301 S. Tryon Street,
Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202.&nbsp; Telephone requests may be
directed to (704) 372-5404.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;page-break-after:avoid'><b>Item
4.&nbsp; Description of Securities.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Not applicable</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;page-break-after:avoid'><b>Item
5.&nbsp; Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Not applicable</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;page-break-after:avoid'><b>Item
6.&nbsp; Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>There are no
provisions in the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation and no
contracts between the Registrant and its directors and officers nor resolutions
adopted by the Registrant, relating to indemnification.&nbsp; The Registrant's Restated
Articles of Incorporation prevent the recovery by the Registrant or
shareholders of monetary damages against its directors.&nbsp; In accordance with the
provisions of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the &quot;Act&quot;), the
Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification of
directors and officers otherwise provided by the Act, the Registrant shall,
under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors and officers (as well as
certain other persons) against any and all liability and expense, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of their status or activities as
directors and officers, except for liability or litigation expense incurred on
account of activities that were at the time known or reasonably should have
been known by such director or officer to be clearly in conflict with the best
interests of the Registrant.&nbsp; Pursuant to such Bylaws and as authorized by
statute, the Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of its directors and
officers against liability asserted against such persons in such capacity
whether or not such directors or officers have the right to indemnification
pursuant to the Bylaw or otherwise.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>In addition to
the above-described provisions, Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the Act
contain provisions prescribing the extent to which directors and officers shall
or may be indemnified.&nbsp; Section 55-8-51 of the Act permits a corporation, with
certain exceptions, to indemnify a present or former director against liability
if (i) he conducted himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably believed (x) that
his conduct in his official capacity with the corporation was in its best
interests and (y) in all other cases his conduct was at least not opposed to
the corporation's best interest, and (iii) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.&nbsp; A
corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a proceeding by or
in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the
corporation or in connection with a proceeding charging improper personal
benefit to him.&nbsp; The above standard of conduct is determined by the Board of
Directors, a committee of the Board of Directors, special legal counsel or the
shareholders as prescribed in Section 55-8-55.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 12.0pt" align="center">
3</p>
<hr>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Sections
55-8-52 and 55-8-56 of the Act require a corporation to indemnify a director or
officer in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party against
reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful in his defense, unless the
articles of incorporation provide otherwise.&nbsp; Section 55-8-53 of the Act
permits a corporation to advance expenses to a director in defending a
proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding upon the
authorization of the board of directors.&nbsp; Upon application, the court may order
indemnification of the director or officer if he is adjudged fairly and
reasonably so entitled under Section 55-8-54.&nbsp; Section 55-8-56 allows a
corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent
who is not a director to the same extent as a director or as otherwise set
forth in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by a
resolution of the Board of Directors.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>In addition,
Section 55-8-57 of the Act permits a corporation to provide for indemnification
of directors, officers, employees or agents, in its articles of incorporation
or by contract or resolution, against liability in various proceedings and to
purchase and maintain insurance policies on behalf of these individuals.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><i>The
foregoing is only a general summary of certain aspects of North Carolina law
dealing with indemnification of directors and officers and does not purport to
be complete.&nbsp; It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant
statutes which contain detailed specific provisions regarding the circumstances
under which and the person for whose benefit indemnification shall or may be
made and accordingly are incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.2 of this
Registration Statement.</i></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;page-break-after:avoid'><b>Item
7.&nbsp; Exemption from Registration Claimed.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Not applicable</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>Item 8.&nbsp; Exhibits.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>The following
exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.</p>

<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='border-collapse:collapse'>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b>Exhibit No.</b></p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><u>Description of Exhibit<br>
&nbsp;</u></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>5.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;
  margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-1.25in'>Opinion of Helms Mulliss &amp;
  Wicker, PLLC.<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>23.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>Consent of Helms Mulliss &amp;
  Wicker, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>23.2</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>Consent of KPMG LLP,
  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>24.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;
  margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:1.25in;text-align:left;text-indent:-1.25in'>Power
  of&nbsp; Attorney (included on the signature page contained in Part II hereof).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>99.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:left'>Ruddick
  Corporation Director Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
  of Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2006,
  Commission File No. 1-6905).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'>99.2</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:left'>Provisions
  of North Carolina law relating to indemnification of directors and officers
  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant's Registration
  Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt">4</p>

<hr color="#000080"><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>


<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>Item 9.&nbsp; Undertakings.</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement:</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:.5in'>(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To include any prospectus
required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:.5in'>(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To reflect in the prospectus
any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration
Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the Registration Statement.&nbsp; Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the &quot;Calculation of Registration Fee&quot; table in the effective
registration statement;</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:.5in'>(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in'><i>Provided, however,</i> that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and
(a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That, for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <i>bona fide</i> offering
thereof.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;text-indent:.5in'>(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To remove from registration by
means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall
be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in' align="center">
5</p><hr>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><br>
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial <i>bona fide</i> offering thereof.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.&nbsp; In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.</p>

</div>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in" align="center">6</p>

<hr color="#000080"><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>


<div class=Section3>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><b>SIGNATURES</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>Pursuant to
the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that
it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on February 16, 2006.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:3.0in'>RUDDICK CORPORATION</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:3.0in'>By:<u>&nbsp;&nbsp; /s/ Thomas W. Dickson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<br>
</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thomas W.
Dickson<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief Executive Officer</p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'>&nbsp;</p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'>POWER
OF ATTORNEY</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-indent:.5in'>KNOW ALL MEN
BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below and on
the following page constitutes and appoints each of Thomas&nbsp;W. Dickson,
John&nbsp;B. Woodlief and Ronald H. Volger as his/her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration
Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, and hereby
ratifies and confirms all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting
alone, or his/her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933 this Registration Statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.</p>



<div align="center">



<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='margin-left:.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'>

  <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid'>
   <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
   <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-align:center;
   page-break-after:avoid'><u>Signature</u></p>
   </td>
   <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
   <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-align:left;
   page-break-after:avoid'><u>Title</u></p>
   </td>
   <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>

   </td>
   <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
   <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-align:center;
   page-break-after:avoid'><u>Date</u></p>
   </td>
  </tr>

 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Thomas W. Dickson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Thomas W. Dickson </p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>President, Chief
  Executive Officer and Director<br>
	(Principal Executive Officer)</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ John B. Woodlief&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>John B. Woodlief</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>Vice President-Finance
  and Chief Financial Officer<br>
	(Principal Financial Officer)</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 </table>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center">7</p>
<hr>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div align="center">
<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='margin-left:.4pt;border-collapse:collapse' id="table1">

 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Ronald H. Volger&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Ronald H. Volger</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Vice President and Treasurer<br>
	(Principal Accounting Officer)</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ John R. Belk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>John R. Belk</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Edwin B. Borden, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Edwin B. Borden, Jr.</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ John P. Derham Cato&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>John P. Derham Cato</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Alan T. Dickson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Alan T. Dickson</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>Chairman of the Board
  and Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ R. Stuart Dickson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>R. Stuart Dickson</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>Chairman of the
  Executive Committee and Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ James E. S. Hynes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>James E. S. Hynes</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Anna S. Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Anna S. Nelson</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Bailey W. Patrick&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Bailey W. Patrick</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Robert H. Spilman, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Robert H. Spilman, Jr.</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Harold C. Stowe&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Harold C. Stowe</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr style='page-break-inside:avoid;height:48.0pt'>
  <td width=228 valign=top style='width:171.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><u>&nbsp;/s/ Isaiah Tidwell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
	</u>Isaiah Tidwell</p>
  </td>
  <td width=216 valign=top style='width:2.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Director</p>
  </td>
  <td width=36 valign=top style='width:27.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>

  </td>
  <td width=108 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
  height:48.0pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='text-align:left'>February 16, 2006</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

</div>

<p class="MsoNormal" align="center">8</p>

<hr color="#000080"><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>


<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'>EXHIBIT
INDEX</p>

<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
 style='border-collapse:collapse'>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>Exhibit No.</b></p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><u>Description of Exhibit<br>
&nbsp;</u></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>5.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
  margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-1.25in'>Opinion of Helms Mulliss &amp;
  Wicker, PLLC.<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>23.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>Consent of Helms Mulliss
  &amp; Wicker, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>23.2</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>Consent of KPMG LLP,
  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>24.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;
  margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:1.25in;text-align:left;text-indent:-1.25in'>Power
  of&nbsp; Attorney (included on the signature page contained in Part II hereof).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>99.1</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:left'>Ruddick
  Corporation Director Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
  of Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2006,
  Commission File No. 1-6905).<br>
&nbsp;</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=97 valign=top style='width:72.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>99.2</p>
  </td>
  <td width=534 valign=top style='width:400.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=left style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:left'>Provisions
  of North Carolina law relating to indemnification of directors and officers
  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant's Registration
  Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).</p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>





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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "RUDDICK CORP", "cik": "0000085704", "assigned-sic": "5411", "irs-number": "560905940", "state-of-incorporation": "NC", "fiscal-year-end": "0930"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-131927", "film-number": "06628685"}, "business-address": {"street1": "301 S. TRYON STREET, SUITE 1800", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28202", "phone": "7043725404"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "301 S. TRYON STREET, SUITE 1800", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28202"}}
As filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2006
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
__________
RUDDICK
CORPORATION
(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina
(State of Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
56-0905940
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800
Charlotte, North Carolina
(Address of Principal Executive
  Offices)
28202
(Zip Code)
RUDDICK CORPORATION
RUDDICK CORPORATION DIRECTOR DEFERRAL
PLAN
(Full Title of
the Plan)
DOUGLAS J. YACENDA
Secretary
Ruddick Corporation
301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
(Name and Address
of Agent for Service)
(704) 372-5404
Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service
Copy to:
RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.
Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC
201 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Telephone: 
(704) 343-2149
CALCULATION
  OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each
  Class of Securities to
be Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed
  Maximum Offering Price
Per Share*
Proposed
  Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price*
Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock
500,000
  Shares
$23.77
$11,885,000
$1,272
*Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and computed
according to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on
the average of the high and low sale prices of Ruddick Corporation Common Stock
reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 13, 2006.
PART I.  INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The
document(s) containing the information specified in this Part I will be sent or
given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").  Such documents need
not be filed with the Commission either as part of this registration statement
or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated
under the Securities Act.  These documents and the documents incorporated by
reference in the registration statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this
form, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of
Sections 10(a) of the Securities Act (the "Prospectus").
PART II.  INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.  Incorporation of
Documents by Reference.
The following
documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") are incorporated by reference herein and in the Prospectus
constituting a part of this Registration Statement:
(a)        The Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended October 2, 2005, filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");
(b)        The Registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2006, filed pursuant to Section
13 of the Exchange Act;
(c)        The Registrant's Current Reports
on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2005 and February 17, 2006; and
(d)        The description of the
Registrant's Common Stock contained in its Registration Statement filed
pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act and all amendments and reports filed
for the purpose of updating such description, including the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed December 15, 2000.
Any document
filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act (but not any information that we may furnish
that is not deemed to be filed) subsequent to the effectiveness of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
hereto which either indicates that all securities offered hereto have been sold
or deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus and
to be a part hereof and thereof from the date of filing of such documents.  Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Registration Statement and the Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or therein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies
or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
2
The Registrant
will provide without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered,
on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the
documents incorporated herein and in the Prospectus by reference (other than
exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference
in such documents).  Written requests for such copies should be directed to
Douglas J. Yacenda, Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301 S. Tryon Street,
Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202.  Telephone requests may be
directed to (704) 372-5404.
Item
4.  Description of Securities.
Not applicable
Item
5.  Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable
Item
6.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
There are no
provisions in the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation and no
contracts between the Registrant and its directors and officers nor resolutions
adopted by the Registrant, relating to indemnification.  The Registrant's Restated
Articles of Incorporation prevent the recovery by the Registrant or
shareholders of monetary damages against its directors.  In accordance with the
provisions of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "Act"), the
Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification of
directors and officers otherwise provided by the Act, the Registrant shall,
under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors and officers (as well as
certain other persons) against any and all liability and expense, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of their status or activities as
directors and officers, except for liability or litigation expense incurred on
account of activities that were at the time known or reasonably should have
been known by such director or officer to be clearly in conflict with the best
interests of the Registrant.  Pursuant to such Bylaws and as authorized by
statute, the Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of its directors and
officers against liability asserted against such persons in such capacity
whether or not such directors or officers have the right to indemnification
pursuant to the Bylaw or otherwise.
In addition to
the above-described provisions, Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the Act
contain provisions prescribing the extent to which directors and officers shall
or may be indemnified.  Section 55-8-51 of the Act permits a corporation, with
certain exceptions, to indemnify a present or former director against liability
if (i) he conducted himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably believed (x) that
his conduct in his official capacity with the corporation was in its best
interests and (y) in all other cases his conduct was at least not opposed to
the corporation's best interest, and (iii) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  A
corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a proceeding by or
in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the
corporation or in connection with a proceeding charging improper personal
benefit to him.  The above standard of conduct is determined by the Board of
Directors, a committee of the Board of Directors, special legal counsel or the
shareholders as prescribed in Section 55-8-55.
3
Sections
55-8-52 and 55-8-56 of the Act require a corporation to indemnify a director or
officer in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party against
reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful in his defense, unless the
articles of incorporation provide otherwise.  Section 55-8-53 of the Act
permits a corporation to advance expenses to a director in defending a
proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding upon the
authorization of the board of directors.  Upon application, the court may order
indemnification of the director or officer if he is adjudged fairly and
reasonably so entitled under Section 55-8-54.  Section 55-8-56 allows a
corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent
who is not a director to the same extent as a director or as otherwise set
forth in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by a
resolution of the Board of Directors.
In addition,
Section 55-8-57 of the Act permits a corporation to provide for indemnification
of directors, officers, employees or agents, in its articles of incorporation
or by contract or resolution, against liability in various proceedings and to
purchase and maintain insurance policies on behalf of these individuals.
The
foregoing is only a general summary of certain aspects of North Carolina law
dealing with indemnification of directors and officers and does not purport to
be complete.  It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant
statutes which contain detailed specific provisions regarding the circumstances
under which and the person for whose benefit indemnification shall or may be
made and accordingly are incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.2 of this
Registration Statement.
Item
7.  Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable
Item 8.  Exhibits.
The following
exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
5.1
Opinion of Helms Mulliss &
  Wicker, PLLC.
23.1
Consent of Helms Mulliss &
  Wicker, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of KPMG LLP,
  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1
Power
  of  Attorney (included on the signature page contained in Part II hereof).
99.1
Ruddick
  Corporation Director Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
  of Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2006,
  Commission File No. 1-6905).
99.2
Provisions
  of North Carolina law relating to indemnification of directors and officers
  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant's Registration
  Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).
4
Item 9.  Undertakings.
(a)        The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)        To file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement:
(i)         To include any prospectus
required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)        To reflect in the prospectus
any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration
Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the Registration Statement.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement;
(iii)       To include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;
Provided, however,
that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and
(a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2)        That, for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering
thereof.
(3)        To remove from registration by
means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)        The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall
be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
5
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(c)        Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
6
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to
the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that
it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on February 16, 2006.
RUDDICK CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Thomas W.
Dickson
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN
BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below and on
the following page constitutes and appoints each of Thomas W. Dickson,
John B. Woodlief and Ronald H. Volger as his/her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration
Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, and hereby
ratifies and confirms all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting
alone, or his/her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933 this Registration Statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Thomas W. Dickson
President, Chief
  Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 16, 2006
/s/ John B. Woodlief
John B. Woodlief
Vice President-Finance
  and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
February 16, 2006
7
/s/ Ronald H. Volger
Ronald H. Volger
Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 16, 2006
/s/ John R. Belk
John R. Belk
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Edwin B. Borden, Jr.
Edwin B. Borden, Jr.
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ John P. Derham Cato
John P. Derham Cato
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Alan T. Dickson
Alan T. Dickson
Chairman of the Board
  and Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ R. Stuart Dickson
R. Stuart Dickson
Chairman of the
  Executive Committee and Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ James E. S. Hynes
James E. S. Hynes
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Anna S. Nelson
Anna S. Nelson
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Bailey W. Patrick
Bailey W. Patrick
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Robert H. Spilman, Jr.
Robert H. Spilman, Jr.
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Harold C. Stowe
Harold C. Stowe
Director
February 16, 2006
/s/ Isaiah Tidwell
Isaiah Tidwell
Director
February 16, 2006
8
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
5.1
Opinion of Helms Mulliss &
  Wicker, PLLC.
23.1
Consent of Helms Mulliss
  & Wicker, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of KPMG LLP,
  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1
Power
  of  Attorney (included on the signature page contained in Part II hereof).
99.1
Ruddick
  Corporation Director Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
  of Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2006,
  Commission File No. 1-6905).
99.2
Provisions
  of North Carolina law relating to indemnification of directors and officers
  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant's Registration
  Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).