AHOSKIE – Jennings Bryan Ruffin, Jr., age 71, of S. Academy Street, Ahoskie, 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, and Annie Catherine Ruffin of Kill Devil Hills; 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.

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.