June 2, 1936 – April 2, 2023
On Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 God called Charlie Ruffin III home to Glory. He was born June 2, 1936 in Sussex County, VA to the late Charlie Ruffin and Essie Bland Ruffin. He graduated from Disputanta Training School in 1955.
Charlie joined Loving Union Baptist Church in Disputanta, VA at an early age. God gifted him with a beautiful voice. He used it to praise the Lord for many years. He loved to sing in Loving Union’s Male Chorus and Combined Choir; however, the church especially loved to hear the passionate way he prayed. In 1995, he was ordained as a Deacon and had been honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus at the time of his passing.
Fondly known as “Charlie Jr.” He was also a committed member of the NAACP. Charlie traveled extensively throughout his life. Bus trips and cruises were among his favorite endeavors; however, he was particularly proud that he was able to fly to London, England to visit his son, Michael. After his retirement from Reynolds Metals Company in Chester, VA, Charlie enjoyed listening to gospel music and spreading joy. He loved to joke. His favorite punchline was: “No Fool – No Fun!” More importantly Charlie lived his life with a loving generous spirit. Those who knew him will never forget his favorite saying: “ Do Right and Right Will Follow”.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Gilbert Cedric Ruffin (Butch), his brother, Edward Lee Ruffin, his sister, Essie Ruffin Bannister, two brothers- in- law, Howard Bannister and James Bowman, and one granddaughter, Ashley Myrick.
Charlie leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Johns Ruffin; his daughters, Glenice A. Myrick (Benjamin), and Brenda Ruffin Mabery (David); beloved son, Michael A. Ruffin (Anita); a brother, William Mckinley Ruffin, Sr. (Dorothy); sister, Mildred Bowman, sisters-in-law, Mary F. Ruffin and Jeanne J. Talley (Robert). His loving memory will also be cherished by his grandchildren, April Myrick, Michelle Brown, (Joseph), Benita Myrick, Krystle Mabery, Damarcus Mabery (Alexis) and Tiana Ruffin; his great grandchildren, Josiah Brown and Priest Mabery; and a host of special nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.
Homegoing service will be held 1 P.M., Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803, Rev. Sylvia Tucker, Pastor, Loving Union Baptist Church, eulogist. Interment will follow at Loving Union Baptist Church Cemetery, 16750 Loving Union Rd, Disputanta, VA. 23842. Public visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 10-7 P.M. Family will assemble one hour prior to service.
The funeral arrangements for Mr. Charlie Ruffin III have been entrusted to the caring professionals of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803.
(804) 732-7841. Please keep the family in Prayer.