Herbert Ruff Jr.

Herbert Ruff Jr. was born on July 4th, 1943 to the late Ruby & Herbert Ruff Sr. in High Point, North Carolina.
His education was very important to him. He graduated with honors from William Penn High School in 1961then later moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Clark College (Clark Atlanta University). During his college years, he completed an internship at Harvard University in the physics department. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree with honors focused in Physics & Engineering in 1967. After receiving his degree, he moved to Wappingers Falls, New York where he worked as an electrical engineer for IBM.
In 1968, he united in Holy Matrimony with his loving wife, Bernadine in Peekskill, New York. Herbert welcomed with an open heart his two bonus daughters, Sabrina and Nanette. There were two biological children born to this union, Keith and Yakara.
He devoted the early part of his career to IBM serving the company for 20 years. His tenure and continued growth provided his family opportunities to also live in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dale City, Virginia, Nokesville, Virginia, and Colorado Springs, Colorado where he gained many lifelong friends. The Ruff household was known for their exciting Friday night card games and Super Bowl parties amongst friends. His career continued as an independent contractor working as a computer programmer and designer for multiple companies until he retired in 2005.
During his free time Herbert loved to cook, BBQ, play golf, bowl, watch science fiction movies, read books, play sudoku, draw, paint and sing. He loved primates especially gorillas, they were his favorite!
Herbert was a faithful servant in the army of the Lord. He was baptized at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina. He continued to grow in his faith throughout the years taking on leadership roles and volunteering at church, teaching Sunday School, and editing the church newsletters. He was also known for his melodic voice and sang in the choirs. In 1990, he was ordained as a Deacon at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado under the leadership of the late, Pastor Jim Dotson. He proudly served as a Deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi until his earthly purpose was fulfilled.
God embraced Herbert Ruff Jr lovingly known as Sweet Herb in his arms and enfolded him in his love on July 3, 2024, at which time he quietly departed from this life.
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents: Herbert Sr. and Ruby Ruff; daughter, Essica Yakara Ruff; siblings: Mildred Stevenson, Betty Brown, and Robert Ruff.
He leaves to cherish precious memories his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Bernadine Ruff; three children: Sabrina Jackson, Nanette Williams, and Keith Ruff; six grandchildren: Lejon, Kyara, Anisha, Allison, Andrew, and Gabriel; one great-grandchild: Yara; sister: Gladys Ruff (High Point, North Carolina); brother: Roger Ruff (High Point, North Carolina) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends.
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9