Willie H. Ruffin Sr.
FRANKLIN—Bishop Willie H. Ruffin Sr., 76, died April 29, 2009.
He was born Feb. 5, 1933, to the late Grant and Rittie Tyler Ruffin in Lewiston, N.C.
He was educated in North Carolina public schools. He moved to Franklin, in 1953 and retired from Union Camp Corporation in 1995 after 42 years of service.
At an early age, he accepted the calling God had placed upon his life. He founded Holy Prayer Room in Rich Square, N.C.
He later expanded his ministry, becoming the founder and pastor of Holy Prayer Room No. 2 in Franklin. He will be remembered for his humbleness and his dedication to God.
He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Dianne Ruffin Williams; two brothers, John Ruffin and Curtis Bowden; and one sister, Evora Veale.
Survivors include two sons, Ronald “Ray” Ruffin (Tracy) of Franklin and Willie H. Ruffin Jr. (Donna) of Hampton; one brother, George Ruffin of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one sister, Arolie Ruffin-Clark of Lewiston; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
A homegoing service will be held at 1 p.m. today in Living Word Worship Center, where Apostle Dorothy B. Lane is pastor.
Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home is assisting the family.