Thomas E. Ruffin, Jr.

Published 8:57 am Tuesday, November 18, 2014

AHOSKIE – Thomas Eugene Ruffin, Jr., 88, of Ahoskie, passed away on November 15, 2014 at the Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center of Windsor, NC.

He was a native of Bertie County, born on October 2, 1926 to the late Thomas and Edna Harrell Ruffin in Ahoskie, NC. Thomas was in the last graduating class of Powellsville High School, received his business degree from Norfolk Business School, and his master degree in business from East Carolina University. He was a Professor in the Business Department for Chowan College for over 30 years. Thomas was a faithful member of Holly Grove Baptist Church, where he served as Minister of Music, Sunday School Director and Deacon for many years.  He served in the VA and the NC National Guard.

Thomas is survived by his spouse Dorothy; three daughters, Edna Annie Walker of Rutherfordton, NC, Carolyn S. Ruffin of Princess Anne, MD, and Mary Elizabeth Stracchino and husband Phil of Gilford, NH; son, Thomas Eugene Ruffin III and wife Christine of Mechanicsville, VA; brother, Herbert Harrell Ruffin and wife Peggy of Chesapeake, VA; and four granddaughters along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Holly Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. J.N. Baggett officiating, with burial at the Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holly Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 232, Powellsville, NC 27967.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Ruffin family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.