William Ruffin Jr

Brother Ruffin was born March 29, 1936 to Bessie Boyd-Collins and William H. Ruffin in Selma, Alabama. He gave his life to the Lord at an early age. Immediately after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served 21 years. He retired as Master Sergeant in May, 1975. Following his service in the Armed Forces, he began employment for the United States Postal Service where he also retired after 21 years of service. During his military years, he met Elizabeth, his loving wife of 45 years. The two of them enjoyed family life to the fullest and serving the Lord. They both enjoyed travelling and family get-togethers. Brother Ruffin was an active member of the Berwyn Civic Association for many years. He also enjoyed communication with his friends at White Castle and was an avid walker at the Eastland Mall until failing health slowed him down. William Bill C. Ruffin, 75, went home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2011 at Grant Hospital. He was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by parents, Bessie Boyd-Collins and William H. Ruffin; loving wife Elizabeth M. Ruffin; sister Dorothy Hopkins and son, Gerald Evans. He is survived by daughters, Barbara Ann Williams (Beotis Crowder); Kathy B. Williams; Shelby (Nate) Bowman; sons, Clarence (Sheila) Williams; Curtiss (Cathy) Williams; William (Anna) Ruffin III; Marvin and Wendell Ruffin; grandson, W. Deshawn Matthew; sister, Maxine Ruffin; nephew, Bernard (Tristine) Ruffin; a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces; nephews; sisters-in-law, Katie Arnold, Anna Jones and Hattie Evans; and special niece, Terri Goins.