John L. Ruffin, Sr. (90 yrs) died unexpected January 4, 2021, at Mercy Rehab & Care Center (Swansea, IL.). He was born January 16, 1930, in Pushmataha, AL., the son of (Late) Isaac S. and Mary (Roberts) Ruffin. John graduated from Tuskegee Institute. He married his first wife (Late) Lillie B. (Nelson) Second wife (Late) Mildred E. (Ward) Ruffin. John gave his life to Christ under the leadership of Rev. Brekins at an early age at Gilfield Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a loyal and faithful dedicated member serving the Lords as Usher Board President and Choir Member.
He worked as a Farmer, Carpenter, Pulp wooding and volunteered in Public Community Service. He marched along with The Civil Rights Movement during dark and difficult days. His hobbies consist of playing baseball, hunting, and a great love for his dogs along with his farm animals.
In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by a sister (Late) Beulah Wright, brother (Late) Charley Hopkins, and two sons (Late) John L. Ruffin, Jr. (Late) Johnny M. (Margret) Ruffin, one step son Dan Knott. Surviving in addiction to his sister Bertha Horn, sister-in-law Dorothy Nelson, children: Verse L. (Keith) Stubbs, Willie J. (Carol) Ruffin, Mary G. Bush, Glenda (David) Byrd, Louis Ruffin, Edward E. (Bertha) Ruffin, and Clarine Ruffin. Step children, William E. Knott, Andre (Rilinda) Knott, Fredrick Knott, and Toby (Jo-ann) Knott, and Patricia Fryer. Also leaving to mourn his lost are his twenty four Grandchildren, thirty four Great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.