Services will be held 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at New Augusta United Methodist Church for Mr. John Charles “Mater” Ruffin, age 80, who passed from this life February 1, 2020, at his residence. Bro. Dave Moran and Bro. Jim Slowy will officiate with burial to follow in the New Augusta Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Nyman, Randy Welford, Steve Spicer, Jason Tomlin, Dwayne Hartfield and Clayton Hinton. Honorary pallbearers will be the surviving members of the New Augusta High School Class of 1958, John Hugh Garner, Darnell Hill, Malcolm Draugn, C.B. Hinton, Gloria Gene Sanders, Betty Rae Garner, Elaine Geddie, Faye Shafer, Ray Waldrop and Billie Ann Patterson.
Mr. Charles Ruffin, known to his family and friends as “Mater”, was born on April 17,1939, to the late William and Lucille Ruffin. He was a member of the Mississippi National Guard and worked construction for notable companies such as Brown and Root, Patterson Construction and Fleur Daniel. He was well-loved in his hometown community of New Augusta, MS where he attended grammar school, played high school basketball, and attended the Methodist Church. He was known for his dry wit, sense of humor, service to others, and the fierce loyalty and love he had for his many lifelong friends and family. Mater was a creature of habit and could be found most mornings sharing a cup of coffee with friends at the local gas station. It was there he would spin his “mostly true” fish stories, catch up on the latest with anyone and everyone and offer up some of his famous homegrown tomatoes, peppers or collard greens in their season. He was quite the gardener and a master at the grill, too! He was the “go-go” guy for almost every reunion and church picnic for his perfectly smoked briskets and tender as as all get-out baby back ribs. In fact, he humbly would warn partakers, “Now, don’t hate me if the meat just falls off the bone:” He had a love for family, fishing, and cooking, a passion he regularly shared with others.
Charles will be dearly missed for all of his selfless acts, bountiful harvests and vibrant conversation, but mostly, he will be missed for his love. It’s a love he came to know through his personal Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It is with this assurance of his salvation that his family can confidently say, “We will see you again, Granddaddy”.
Mr. Charles Ruffin was preceded in death by his brothers, Billy, Louie, and Tuner; and sister, Ann.
He is survived by his sister, Sara and brother, Danny. Charles leaves behind a legacy with children, Terri (Mike) Nyman, Jim (Angie) Ruffin and Jeff Ruffin; 6 grandchildren, Jason Tomlin, Jessica (Randy) Welford, Anna Ruffin, Abby Ruffin, Sunni Ruffin and Buddy Ruffin; 4 great-grandchildren, Hadley Welford, Jesse Tomlin, Harper Welford and Henley Welford.
Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at New August United Methodist Church.
