Roy Lee Ruffin, Jr.
October 16, 1959 – March 12, 2017
ROY LEE RUFFIN, JR., affectionately known as “Bubba”, was born October 16, 1959 in Memphis, TN to loving parents, Roy Lee Ruffin Sr. and Carlean M. Ruffin. While attending Middle Baptist Church White Haven, Roy professed a belief in Jesus as his Savior. He received his formal education in Memphis, where he attended Alcy Elementary School, Corry Chickasaw Jr. High and graduated from Fairley High School in 1977. While in high school, Roy was known for his basketball skills and his ability to score. He referred to himself as ”A Legend”.
Upon graduating from high school, Roy enlisted into the United States Navy where he served aboard the U.S.S. Merrill DD 976 in San Diego, CA. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1986.
After his stint in the Navy, Roy began employment with the City of San Diego Collection Department. He made many friends along the way, Among his colleagues, he was known for his jovial attitude. His service with the City of San Diego was twenty-six years.
Roy met and married Cheryl Robinson and to this union a daughter, Danielle was born. He later became the proud father of a son, Everett.
In 1993, Roy joined and was baptized at Bayview Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Dr. Timothy J. Winters. In 2006, Roy united with St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Michael Morrow. In 2012, Roy reunited his fellowship with Bayview Baptist Church, where he continued to worship until his health began to fail. He especially enjoyed working with the Brotherhood Department.
Pursuing his desire to reach out to others in a charitable way, Roy joined the St. Peter Grand Lodge AFAM, where he excelled in leadership. He held the following distinguished offices: Worshipful Master, Deputy Grandmaster and Grand Secretary.
On June 18, 1994, Roy united in Holy Matrimony with the lovely Barbara Andrews. They merged their families together as one. As a father, he showed no favorites; he loved them equally. His children and grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Roy and Barbara were a team and pursued many common interests together. They shared a beautiful life and were inseparable till the very end.
Roy’s love for children and their development prompt him to join the Skyline Pop Warned League as a coach for the Skyline Tigers. He was affectionately known as Coach Roy. He was a man of integrity, never looking for honor or accolades. He was held in the highest regard by his friends and anyone who came in contact with him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Lee Ruffin, Sr.; his son, Danny Lamark Andrews and grandson, Xavier Williams.
Roy departed this life on Sunday, March 12, 2017. He leaves to mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life his devoted wife, Barbara Ruffin; daughter, Danielle Nicolle Ruffin of Atlanta, GA and Sonya Ruffin of Las Vegas, NV; son, Everett Tucker of Houston, TX; stepsons, Markees Andrews of San Diego, CA, Tarrell Matthews (Rachel) of London, England; Fidel Zeigler of Sacramento, CA; his mother, Mary Carlean; sister, Valerie Renee Ruffin; brother, Ronald Andre Ruffin (Marvelette), Rodney Darnell Ruffin all of Memphis, TN; aunts, Ruby Spikner of Memphis , TN and Adella Williams of Detroit, MI; uncle, Jessie Ruffin of Memphis, TN; brothers-in-law, Willie Nichols (Charisse) of San Diego, CA and Thomas Charles Nichols (Patricia) of St. Louis, MO; sisters-in-law, Millie Rodriquez of South Haven, MS and Diane Dean of Cleveland MS; granddaughter, Nakiyah Mary Ruffin of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Tobias Matthews of London, England, Lee Ruffin and William Watson both of Las Vegas, NV; nieces, Candace DeBerry, Jenaijah Denae Jones and McKenzie Ruffin; nephews, Ron Ruffin II, Denzell Zeigler, Jaylon Ruffin and T. J. Bachus; special friends, Shelia Barron and Lendell Delaney of San Diego, CA, Victor Fudge of Dallas, TX , Marvin Wilson, Derrick Doggett and Jeff Ruffin all of Memphis, TN; and a host of other relatives and numerous friends. Services were held Monday, March 20, 2017 at Bayview Baptist Church; interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
