Jennings B. Ruffin

September 13, 2012

09/13/2012

AHOSKIE – Jennings Bryan Ruffin, Jr., age 71, of S. Academy St. died Thursday, September 13, 2012, in his home.

Mr. Ruffin was born in Richmond, VA on June 16, 1941, a son of the late Iris Stokes and Jennings B. Ruffin, Sr., M.D. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ahoskie.

Jennings was a graduate of Wake Forest University where he earned his B.S. degree in Chemistry. He enjoyed a successful business career, serving as an executive of several large corporations. Later in life, he owned and operated Ruffin Associates, Inc. supporting businesses throughout Eastern North Carolina and along North Carolina‚??s Outer Banks.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Judith Williams Ruffin; his daughters, Laura Elizabeth Ruffin of Hillsborough, NC and Annie Catherine Ruffin of Kill Devil Hills, NC; and his grandchildren, Haley Ashton Daniels, Jessen Lee Saylor, and Emily Elizabeth Skrypek. He is also survived by his brother, Sterling Stokes Ruffin and his wife, Anita Joyner Ruffin of Raleigh, NC.

A celebration of life service will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church of Ahoskie on Sunday, September 16, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Greg Barmer officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, and other times at the home. Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Ahoskie Food Pantry, PO Box 159, Ahoskie, NC 27910.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie is serving the Ruffin family.

Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettfh.com.

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Phyllis Everett
11 years ago

To Laura and family,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your

father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Phyllis, Mark and Lauren

Winnie Ruffin Hobbs
11 years ago

Judy,

Dennis and I are so sorry to learn about Jennings and send you and your family our deepest sympathy.

Due to Dennis’ recent back surgery we are unable to attend the services but please know that you are in our prayers.

I wish that I could have spent more time with Jennings in our adulthood. As children, I saw him and Sterling enough to know what wonderful boys Uncle J. B. and Aunt Iris brought up.

Our thoughts are with you and the family as you go through this sad time.

Love,

Winnie

Richard Jernigan
11 years ago

Judy and all the family may God be with you during this time of loss. So sorry to hear of your loss.

Charlie and Louise Boomer
11 years ago

We are so sorry Judy and devastated too.

We love you and will be with you on Sunday, we are always only a phone call away.

Charlie and Louise

Cheryl and Bruce Roberts
11 years ago

Bruce and I enjoyed our friendship with you, JB. You were a key factor in the early development of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society. How much you have done for us and North Carolina’s lighthouses! Judi, we are deeply saddened that JB has left far too early. Laura and Annie, we know you will carry your dad’s memory forever in your hearts and in the eyes of your children. God bless you all. Cheryl and Bruce

Caulis Todd
11 years ago

Judy and Family,

Peggy and I were very sorry to hear of

Jennings’s passing. Although we will be unable to attend the funeral service,

our thoughts and prayers are with you

and your family during this difficult

time. As I am writing this note, I am reflecting on some of the fun moments Jennings and I shared during our days at Ahoskie High School. Again, our condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Caulis

Angie
11 years ago

J.B. Ruffin was very special to me and to the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. He understood business needs, marketing, the role of organizations such as our Chamber and worked tiredlessly to help us accomplish goals and promote the Outer Banks. He helped our Chamber be one of the first on the web and guided us to staying on top of technology and meeting the needs of our business members and visitors. I enjoyed every moment I spent with him, appreciate his devotion to Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks.

To the family, I so love you and am sorry for your loss. Selfishly I am so proud that I knew him and had the chance to learn so much from him. He was an awesome man and tears fill my eyes as I remember the happy times. Appreciate the patience he showed me in learning to make tables in html coding…

Love you all! May you find peace through this difficult time.

Bunny Brady
11 years ago

Judy, I know this is a difficult time for you and the family but I wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. I should be back in NC during christmas and hope to see you then….

Love as always,.

Bunny

Mary Anne Britton Croom
11 years ago

Judy,

We will remember you and your family during this difficult time and in the days ahead. We remember the many times that we saw you two and enjoyed your company.

God Bless,

Mary Anne & Jesse Croom

Judith /Charlie White
11 years ago

Dear Judy, We send sympathy to you and your family for the death of Jennings. We missed seeing you both at our recent class reunion. May God’s word comfort you —“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” My brother, Jimmy, was also saddened to learn of Jennings’ death. May God bless you and your family.