RUFF WINSTON-SALEM - Mr. Benjamin Bernard Ruff also known as "Ruff Rat" was born June 2, 1953 and departed this life on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the Wake Forest University/ Baptist Medical Center after an extended illness. Benjamin was born in Newberry South Carolina to Ms Hattie Mae Ruff and the late Samuel Lee Rutherford. Benjamin attended the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. He graduated from North Forsyth in 1973 and went on to attend WSSU and Tenn. State. He was also well-known around the city as a handyman, construction worker and landscaper. Benjamin leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Hattie Mae Ruff; adopted sister, Marian (Charles) Braddy; adopted brother, Bobby (Alice) Clark; cousins, Peggy Ruff, Jackie Tate, Patricia Smith and Thomasina (Rev Walter) Moore; a God-daughter, Ms. Lalita Coleman; devoted friends, Marie Coleman-Britton and Rev. James Rowdy; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be conducted from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.russellfuneralservice.cm (RUSSELL)
Clarke McGriff
Ruff Rat was a good Friend and neighbor. Lived down the street from me in Dreamland Park. We sometimes walked home together from school when we were in Jr. High at Kennedy. Always was the life of the party. A pretty good baller too even though he didn't weigh much. He lived a challenging life with gusto and style. He's a part of me. I'll miss him.