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Stuart Rufty Obituary
ROCKWELL - Mr. Stuart "Craig" Rufty, 56, of Rockwell, passed way Thursday, May 13, 2010, due to a motorcycle accident.
Craig was born Jan. 2, 1954, in Chandler, Ariz. He attended East Rowan High School and was a 1972 graduate of West Rowan High School.
He worked for National Starch, which is now known as the Henkel Corporation, for 35 years. He was a very active member of the High Rock Community Church on Bringle Ferry Road and a member of the HRCC Riders for Christ. He loved the Tarheels, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Braves and Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
Craig coached for the Rockwell Inter Civic League and the YMCA, and he had become an avid golfer.
Craig was preceded in death by his stepfather, Russell Gillespie, and father-in-law Roland Robinette.
Survivors include wife Janet Riggs Rufty, whom he married April 3, 1999; father Billy C. Rufty and wife Bea of Salisbury; mother Betty Coburn Gillespie of Salisbury; son Kristopher Rufty and wife Angela of Salisbury; daughters Kayla Rufty of the home and Jessica Retera Fisher and husband Matt of Kannapolis; grandchildren Logan and Linnea Rufty and Alexis Retera; brothers Kevin and Steve Rufty of Salisbury; two step-brothers and five step-sisters; mother-in-law Joyce Riggs Robinette of Carolina Shores; brothers-in-law Ron Riggs and wife Susie of Carolina Shores and Randy Riggs and wife Patsy of Holden Beach.
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday May 16 at Powles Funeral Home of Rockwell; and at the residence the remainder of the time.
Funeral Services: 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at High Rock Community Church, Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, conducted by Rev. Ray Johnson, pastor, and Rev. Ronnie Pinion, worship pastor.
Interment: Tuesday after the service at Brookhill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Rockwell.
Memorials: Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital, Carolina's Medical Center-Northeast, 920 Church St. N., Concord, NC 28025.
Powles Funeral home of Rockwell is assisting the Rufty family.
Online condolences may be made to www.powlesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Rufty
LEONARD JONES
May 28, 2010
GOOD FRIEND, GREAT COACH AND A TRUE ASSET TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
Kayla Rufty
May 26, 2010
Dad,
I will miss you so much! I will miss all the picking you did to me, and telling me to say my prayers whenever we got off the phone at night. I know I will see you again, but this place sure isn't the same without you! I hope to live half the legacy you left here for me to see! love you!
Janet Rufty
May 23, 2010
I love you and miss you my dear, but I will see you again. Your kindness, gentle spirit, generosity and faith in God were evident to so many. Until I see you again, keep watching over your family. We will continue to keep the light on for you.
Pam Pyatt
May 19, 2010
Krist, Angie, Kaylay, Janet, and Jessica, Keith and I are very sorry for the loss of Craig. He was such a great person. He loved everyone.We will really miss having him over to our house for birthdays. He will truely be missed by everyone he knew.
Lisa Faust
May 18, 2010
In the few times our paths crossed, it was obvious God lived in Craig's heart through his kind words and beautiful smile. I am sure the lives he touched are countless. Craig's friendship to Randy at work meant so much to him. A truly wonderful man will be missed. Janet; you and your family are in my prayers.
Joy Furr
May 18, 2010
love you always Uncle Craig!!!!
May 18, 2010
Craig,
We are going to miss you so much. No one on this planet will ever be able to pick on me like you did. A knock on the shoulder and a little comment. Then I would come back at you with one. Who could forget what would come next. "Isn't there some where you need to be" you would say. I think that is what I am going to miss the most. Just the goofing off and watching you and Krist talking. After Krist and I being together for 14 years you kind of grew on me. I know the kiddies are gonna miss you just as much as we are. We love you so much. I will see you soon. That's a nice swing set. Love you.
Angie
May 18, 2010
I remember Craig as a teenager.He was a great friend of my daughter Wanda Carleton and my son Joey Melton. My loves goes to all his family.
Bobbie Melton
May 18, 2010
God bless Craig and his family.
He was a TRUE friend . Howard Peacock(Jr.)
Khristopher Rufty
May 17, 2010
Dad,
I love you. We had planned a big summer for the both of us. I promise to finish the cars for you, all of them, so us as a family can assemble and ride them through town in one big pack. I will take care of everyone for you until we all see you once again, then we'll have so much to talk about. Love you always.
Jessica Fisher
May 17, 2010
Craig/Dad,I have to say you were the best father to me, husband to my mom, and best friend a person could ever ask for. You always were there for me and my Mom and Alexis. I honestly don't know what I am going to do without my Pappy. I will miss you telling me to say my prayers at night and going to the races together. I'm so glad I got to talk to you on Thursday and you of course you made me laugh. I can't wait to see you again soon. I love you so much! forever your daughter
Brian Watson
May 17, 2010
Craig will be missed and remembered by all. I was lucky to work with him. He always had a smile for everyone. My prays go out to the family and friends
Matt Fisher
May 17, 2010
craig you will truly be missed so much by so many. i couldnt have asked for a better father in law to help welcome me into such a wonderful family just 8 years ago. going to the races and watching ball games certainly wont be the same but i guess even in heaven they occasionally need a "maintenance man". god bless and GO DALE!
chad sheets
May 17, 2010
Ruff ,You will be truly missed. It is not everyday you find a man with such a big heart. You where a good freind to my dad and me. Words cannot explain how much he meant to a lot of people. I pray for his family and kids to be strong. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Chad,Jamie, and Caylee Sheets
Compressed Air Systems, Inc.
May 17, 2010
To the family of Craig Rufty: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. We had the pleasure of knowing Craig through a business relationship. He was in our office just 2 weeks ago. He was also so very pleasant, and it was obvious he had a gentle, but powerful soul.
Leigh Anne Stiller
May 17, 2010
I worked with Craig at National Starch and he was a wonderful man. He always made time to listen and when he was asked to do something he always smiled and said I will get to it. He will truly be missed but God got a good man and a new angel. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you all in the days to come.
Leigh Anne Stiller
Woody Lanning
May 17, 2010
Craig you were truly a wonderful, kind and friendly person. I have never known a better man. My heartfelt sympathy go out to all your family and many friends. May God pull you all through during this difficult time.
Vickie Jarrett
May 16, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Angie & Danny Murray
May 16, 2010
To Kayla & Family Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. If you need anything let us know
Henry Simonetta
May 16, 2010
Janet, Aunt Betty and family,
My prayers are for God to ease the pain of Craig's loss for all of the family. I know he is in heaven and will be an angel to protect you. I will remember my visit there when Craig and I found out we both had antique trucks and corvette's. I'm sorry I can't be there with you, but my heart is.
Bill Kennedy
May 16, 2010
Thoughts and prayers from the Kennedy Family. Fond memories of Craig from our football trips in Nashville.
May 16, 2010
Janet, Mark and I are praying for you and your family. Craig will be greatly missed. We are truly sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family.
Love,
Mark and Cindy Wellmon
Todd Gittings
May 16, 2010
Craig will be missed by many. He was truly a wonderful person to everyone he met and I am proud to call him my friend. Our deepest sympathy to the family. May God bless each of you.
Todd & Amy Gittings and Dylan Hull
George Gardner
May 16, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Richard Yates
May 16, 2010
Alexis: We were all very sad to hear about your Paw Paw. I`m sure he will always be very special in your heart. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Warriors Softball Team
Michael Zanfardino
May 16, 2010
Thoughts and prayers from the Zanfardinos.
Rick Hunsucker
May 16, 2010
Craig was the type of person that always had a smile for everyone no matter how his day was going. If Craig saw you he always spoke to you. I had the privige of working with him for twenty years and had the honor to attend church with him over the years.
So to the family all I can say is God is with you and he will confort you at this time. My family will have your family in there thoughts and prayers.
Janet Rufty
May 16, 2010
I will keep a light on for you always so that you can see it shining for you. You are my guardian angel now. Miss you and love you. I will see you again one day my love.
May 15, 2010
Bill and Betty,
We were very sad to hear about the death of your son. May God give you strength in the days to come. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Perry,Jill and Ivy Earnhardt
Renee House
May 15, 2010
Janet,
Just wanted to tell you that we are praying for you and your family at this difficult time. Craig will be missed and was loved by many. Try to find comfort in knowing he is with God. If there is anything we can do for you please call on us, you have the numbers. Love, Robert & Renee House
Ann Ennis
May 15, 2010
Bill & Betty,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robert and Kay Heath
May 15, 2010
Janet and family
Words cannot express what a great guy Craig was. I was friends with him for 22 years and considered him my best friend. Craig always saw the good in people. He was so kindhearted and just one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. But we all have comfort in the fact that we will see him again. I feel honored just to have known Craig and to have been his friend. We will truly miss him and we are praying for his family to get through this. We are here for you if you need anything at all.
Robert and Kay Heath & Sarah Robinette
Fred, Debbie, Page and Ben Morris
May 15, 2010
Janet and Family: Thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn but celebrate the life of a good and respected man. I will miss our friendship, fellowship, occasional golfing and attending USC football games together. The fond memories of Craig will always be cherished. In this sad time, please take comfort knowing that Craig is now in God's Loving Care. We love you. God bless. Fred, Debbie, Page and Ben Morris, Little River, SC.
Angela Blevins
May 15, 2010
Coach Craig will truly be missed.He was a great coach when my daughter played for him. God bless. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time
Richard & Kelly Miller
May 15, 2010
Our sympathy goes to the family of home and all of work to this dreadful loss of a good man. Craig is missed and may God's glory shine upon him in heaven.
Scott Helms
May 15, 2010
Praying for you and your family during this time. Craig was a wonderful friend and co-worker.
Mike and Tonia Hurst
May 15, 2010
Janet, Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. We can't even begin to express our thoughts. Mike thought the world of Craig!! They worked together for many years. Craig blessed my heart. I will miss seeing him worship in church. He will be missed by so many. We love you and if there is anything that we can do for you and your family, please don't hesitate to ask.
Mike and Tonia Hurst
JAMES EAGLE
May 15, 2010
James and Ann Eagle we are praying for comfort for you and the family at this time of grief and sorrow may GOD bless you and hold you close to his heart..
Tim Goodman
May 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time . Just know that Craig was a very special person that was loved by all.The Good Lord got a good one when he got Craig .
May 15, 2010
Janet and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!! Much love to all!!
He lent much to our lives, and will be greatly missed.
Jeff n Eva Garver
Jeff Call
May 15, 2010
I am at a loss for words- I will always remember Craig's boyish smile when I would be on stage playing and see him worshiping and getting into the music and service and sharing "small group" time w/ him and he would always go out of his way to shake my hand before or after church. Craig will be deeply missed
Jo Ann Craddock Merriman
May 15, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Craig. I graduated from high school with him. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Eric Moore
May 15, 2010
Craig your family will miss you very much. Rest in peace.
Carla Clawson
May 15, 2010
We pray that God will give all of you comfort and strength during this time! The Johnson family: Alma, Karen, Gene, Carla and Tim and our spouses and children convey our deepest sympathy to you all!
Donald Beaver
May 15, 2010
Craig will be missed at work as he is a great person and well liked.My thoughts and prays go out to the family.
Aj Waller
May 15, 2010
You were one hell of a man Craig, nicest fellow i ever met in my whole life, your gonna be missed more than anyone i know, i wish you were still here buddy
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