MSGT (Ret.) Willie Franklin Ruff

Willie Franklin Ruff was born August 30, 1942 in Wrightsville, Georgia to the union of Willie B. and Lola Mae (Irvin) Ruff. He was the fourth of five children. He departed this life on August 5, 2021.

He was married to the love of his life Maria Gloria (Galit) Ruff for 51 years.

Willie was born in Wrightsville, Georgia, after a brief stay in Buffalo, New York the family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Robert E. Taft High School in 1960. In 1960 Willie enlisted in the US Air Force where he Honorably served his country for 22 years all over the world. He served in Vietnam, Korea, two tours in the Philippines and Germany. In the United States he served at Wichita AFB, Kansas; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Nellis AFB, Nevada; Alexander AFB, Louisiana, Edwards AFB, California and Hill AFB, Utah. After military life, Willie served with the Civil Service at Randolph AFB, Kelly AFB and the US Postal Service all in San Antonio, Texas. His main Job was in Entomology and FDA Inspector in the Air Force and as a civilian at Randolph AFB. At Kelly he obtained the title of Master Mechanic for the B52 Bomber.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, children Christine Ruff-Buckingham, Richard(Cynthia) Ruff, Mark(Heather) Ruff, Donna Ruff, Louis(Annie) Ruff and Louise(Will) Downey.

Grandchildren: Courtney, Tramone, Ricky, Mikayla, Joshua, Darius, Emily Grace, Kate and Harper.

Great Grandchildren: Christian and Rohan, and a host of nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Annie Mae J Ruff (Fairbanks) Chappell and Eleanor Ruff (Goode), and Brothers James Ruff Sr. and Wayne Ruff.

Of our loved ones we may wonder just why they could not stay, and visit here for one more hour, one more day. We're only here to visit to pause and do our best, but we'll meet again in glory, where the Lord will give us rest.

Acknowledgment

The family of Willie Franklin Ruff wishes to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, words of comfort, and acts of kindness shown in our time of sorrow.