James W. Ruffin, Sr., age 83, of Columbus, MS, went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2010, at Sactuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 20, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Gunter & Peel Chapel with Rev. Jearl Hunley officiating and Rev. Steve Lammons and Rev. Ron McDougald assisting. The interment will immediately follow at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 19, 2010, from 6:00-9:00 PM at Gunter & Peel Funeral Home. Mr. Ruffin was born July 3, 1926, in Tuscaloosa, AL, to the late James Daniel and Jimmie D. Ferguson Ruffin. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Army, was a member of the VFW and American Legion, and was the owner and operator of Devoe Paint & Decorating Center and Columbus Paint & Decorating. Mr. Ruffin retired from Lab Corp Inc. and was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed Ole Miss football, gardening, cooking, music, and was an avid outdoorsman. Mr. Ruffin was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Easley Ruffin, step father, Clyde McCleskey, and sister, Wilda Massey Perkins. Mr. Ruffin had a great sense of humor and loved his family. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Jane Ruffin of Columbus, daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Harvey Dallas of Brandon, MS, and Donna and John Wartes of Flowood, MS, 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Joe Dallas, Bryan Dallas, David Dallas, Jason Ruffin, Erik Ruffin, Chris Taylor, Michael Wartes, and Chris Wartes. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Windsor Place, staff of Sanctuary Hospice House of Tupelo, and John Ash. Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House 5159 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801, St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN 38105, or to the donor's favorite charity.
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