Deacon Wilbert L. Ruff, Sr.

Deacon Wilbert L. Ruff, Sr. Sparta, Georgia departed this life on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at a local nursing home. 

Graveside services were held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 1:00 PM from the Powell Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Devereaux, Georgia.

Deacon Wilbert Lee Ruff, Sr. was born on October 18, 1930. He was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Tommie Ruff and Rebecca Fraley Ruff. He was preceded in death by his 11 older siblings Floral Bell, Hattie, Ethel, Louise, Leila, Martha, Mary, Willie James, Kylus, Edward, Tommie.

He was united in holy matrimony to Miss Irene McLin on August 17, 1953. He was employed by J.P. Stevens, McGaw Laboratories, and later Central State Hospital. While employed, he was known to be punctual with a very good work ethic.

He was considered a “Mr. Fix It” because he could take a part and repair virtually anything. His hobbies included gardening, talking on his CB radio, and singing. He was a member of the Soul Brother Citizen Band Radio Club. Fifty-seven years ago, he was a founding member of “The Spirit of Faith” gospel group of Sparta, GA. He would often sing with Powell Grove’s Senior Choir. Some of his favorite songs were “There’s Another Man Coming Who’s Greater Than I”, “O Mary Don’t You Weep” and “Don’t Let The Devil Ride”.

He was a devoted member of Powell Grove Baptist Church and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Recently, he became the oldest member of his church family.

Wilbert transitioned into eternal rest on August 23, 2020.

Cherishing his memories, he leaves his devoted and loving wife, Irene Ruff having been married for 67 years. This union was blessed with seven children: Dianne (*Jessie) Roberson, Sparta, GA, Eloise (Cleocie) Dixon, Milledgeville, GA, Joanne (Hiawatha) Jackson, Sparta, GA, Wilbert L. Ruff, Jr. (Debbie) Milledgeville, GA, Edna Hough, Milledgeville, GA, Dwayne (Deatrice) Ruff, Lancaster, South, Carolina, *Debbie Ruff Isom (Jerryl, god-daughter Quay Rouse); sisters-in-law, Burena Clark, Clarice McLin, Jackie (Larry) Weaver, Juanita (*Charles "Billy") McLin; brothers-in-law, Tony (Viola) McLin; Jerome (Sharon)Macklin; Nolan (Jackie) Thomas; Linton Bruce (Barbara) Macklin. He’s the grandfather to 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

You may express condolences in our guestbook. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Wilbert L. Ruff, Sr., please visit our floral store.