Samuel James “Jimmy” Ruffin, 94, the widower of Vera Cole Ruffin, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 5, 2017 at his residence. 
Mr. Ruffin was born the son of Thomas Edmonson Ruffin and Anna Belle Tomlinson Ruffin on December 30, 1922 in Lake City.  He was a graduate of Olanta High School and attended The Citadel.  He was a World War II Army Veteran.  He played shortstop for the Lake City Truckers – a semi-pro team.  Jimmy stated, “I worked 6 days a week at Tomlinson Groceries and played baseball 7 nights a week. And I got paid to play baseball.”  In 1954, he and Vera moved to Andrews to start Ruffin’s Department Store.  He not only built a successful store, but used this store to touch the lives of many people with his compassion and guidance.  After 38 years, Mr. Ruffin closed the store and retired.  Even after retirement, he still enjoyed his daily rounds at the Post Office, cleaners, Reynolds, and other local merchants.  He and Vera also joined the First Baptist Church of Andrews in 1954.  There they served faithfully over the years until their home goings.  Mr. Ruffin’s service included: over 50 years in the Sunday School Department, first as Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent; served as a deacon, as an usher, and as a member of the Baptist Men’s Brotherhood in which he was still serving as Treasurer.   He was a member of the Lions Club, and former member of the Rosemary School Board.   He enjoyed playing golf and was a charter member of Cherry Hill Country Club.  He was an avid sports fan and loved the Clemson Tigers.  He leaves a legacy described in Proverbs 21:21:  “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”  Mr. Jimmy Ruffin was a devoted father, loving brother, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and a trustworthy friend – a life whose handprints are engraved on the hearts of many forever.
Jimmy and Vera celebrated 66 years together.  Their home was blessed with:  two children, Ginger R. (Mike) Altman and Jim (Shelly) Ruffin; two grandchildren, Dr. Ryan Altman and Marianne A. (Ryan) Jordan; and a great-granddaughter, Henley Jordan.  He is also survived by a sister, Helen Elizabeth R. Scarborough of Charlotte, NC.
He was predeceased by:  his parents; his wife; a sister, Marilyn R. Gibbons; and two brothers, Thomas Edmonson Ruffin, Jr. and Collin Bradley Ruffin.
The Ruffin family would like to extend a special gratitude to Dr. T. Gamble, Mary Jacobs, Roberta Jones, and Victoria Scott for their compassion shown during this journey.
A Home Going Celebration will be 4PM, Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Andrews.  Internment will follow in the Andrews Memorial Cemetery directed by the Andrews Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home.
The Ruffin family will receive family and friends 6-8PM, Monday evening, February 6, 2017 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Andrews.