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Clarence Ruffin Obituary
He was born on Dec. 20, 1920, in Tarboro, N.C., the son of the late Andrew Lee and Mary Lurlene Ruffin.
Dr. Ruffin graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University Medical School, and served in the U.S. Army as a physician. After 46 years of practicing medicine and delivering over 7,000 babies, he retired in 1986 from Gordon, Ruffin, Hillman, Miller OB/GYN practice in Johnson City, Tenn. He was a member, Elder Emeritus, and choir member of First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tenn. for many years. He moved to the Little River/North Myrtle beach area in 1999. He was a member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, enjoyed singing in the choir and was very active in visitation.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy Walter Ruffin of Little River; a son, Clarence Lee Ruffin Jr. and his wife, Janet of Johnson City, Tenn.; three daughters, Patricia Hazelton and her husband, Robert of Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa., Cathy Hess and her husband, Ken of Brea, Calif., and Mary L. Lehan and her husband, Daniel of Canyon Country, Calif.; two stepsons, Bob O. Walter and his wife, Bonnie of Silver Lake, Ohio, Dr. Douglas Walter and his wife, Barbara of Boulder, Colo.; two stepdaughters, Mary Lu Walter of Austin, Texas, Becki W. Price and her husband, Tom of Olney, Md.; four grandchildren and five step grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife, Jean R. Ruffin, who died in 1992.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach on Tuesday. Dr. Christopher Carlisle will officiate. Burial will follow in Friday in Johnson City, Tenn. Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
Sign a guest book at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church Music Department, 410 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Ruffin
BOB & PAT PINDER
March 27, 2004
WE ARE SURE, jESUS HAD HIS ARMS OPEN TO WELCOME DEAR DOC HOME, WE WILL MISS HIM SO VERY MUCH PLEASE KNOW YOU ALL ARE IN OUR PRAYERS, LOVE BOB& PAT
Mack T. Ruffin, IV, MD
March 24, 2004
As a young man, Dr. Ruffin provided me some encouragement and hope that I too could be a doctor some day. It has been many years since that day. I am about to celebrate the 20th reunion of my medical school class. I hope to have as much impact in my carrer as he did. He left a tremendous mark on all that he encountered.
Kyle E. Moore
March 23, 2004
My late wife, Margaret T. Moore and I were long-time friends of Dr. Ruffin while living in Johnson City, Tennessee.
After our oldest son died at age 17, Dr. Ruffin encouraged us to start another family. He cared for Margaret through two more pregnancies and delivered our youngest daughter in 1961.
He was a great doctor and a wonderful friend. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Ruth & Harold Hawkins
March 23, 2004
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Ruth & Harold
Bruce and Frances Miller
March 23, 2004
Much sympathy to you, Lucy. He was a marvelous friend.
Bill & Shirley Garrison
March 23, 2004
We are so terribly saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and
neighbor "Ruff". We could go on for hours about his outgoing nature and enjoyment in reminiscing about a life filled with love, joy and service to God and his fellow men(and women)-- (Wow! over 7000 babies!)
We all loved him and will miss him dearly.
Our hearts go out to you,Lucy,and the family.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Shirley and Bill
Bob Kearney
March 23, 2004
My Deepest Sympathy to the entire Ruffin family. Doc loved UNC. So, for him:
"Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Ringing clear and true.
Singing Carolina's praises.
Shouting N-C-U.
Hail to the brightest star of all
Clear its radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem.
Receive all praises thine."
Ray & Jean Boseman
March 23, 2004
You were a special Neighbor, friend, and email buddy in our lives. I thought of the Rainbow Bridge the first moment I heard of your passing into God's Glory. Our love and prayers to Lucy.
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