Rufus James Sullivan

Sullivan Rufus James Sullivan was born the seventh of thirteen children on June 11, 1957. His parents were Robert Lee Sullivan and Emma Jane Sullivan. He spent his early years with the family in the Windsor Terrace Community and later moved with the family to the Brentnell Community. He attended Mifflin High School where he excelled academically and graduated in 1976. He was especially fond of his courses in Math and English. Rufus went on to college at Franklin University where, in December of 1981, he graduated with his Associates Degree in Business Administration. He was a hard working person with a good head for figures and a commitment to saving and planning for the future. Although he was a divorcee, he was very proud of the daughter that came out of his marriage, Ariena. They were able to spend a lot of time together as she finished high school and begun her pursuit of a college degree. Rufus had a good employment career beginning his time at Grant Hospital in 1976 and on to Honda Manufacturing. He began his career at the Assembly plant for Honda in 1994 and spent 15 years there before taking an early retirement buy out from the company in 2008. After Honda, Rufus spent most of his time relaxing at home. He enjoyed listening to music, playing pool, poetry, and he was an avid reader. He really enjoyed sports, especially watching Tiger Woods golf. Rufus did experience some health challenges along the way and particularly over the past 5 years his diabetes became quite serious and ultimately was a key factor in his early departure. He is preceded in death by father Robert Lee Sullivan. He is survived by his daughter, Ariena Sullivan; mother, Emma Sullivan Wiggins (John); sisters, Helen Sullivan, Emma Sullivan, Thelma (Terry) Childs, Phyllis Sullivan, Joann Donahue and Carolyn (Randy) Courts; brothers, Robert (Janice) Sullivan, David (Tilcia) Sullivan, Ernie Sullivan, Richard (Mary) Sullivan, John D. (Patricia) Wiggins, and John H. Wiggins. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St., where the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the start of service. Interment Eastlawn Cemetery. To sign his online memory book, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits