Bill Boruff

Mr. William Roy Boruff, known by many in the Upper Cumberland as Bill, age 81 of Sparta, passed away at 2:14am on Friday, October 17, 2025 at St. Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro.

Bill was born February 1, 1944 in Sweetwater, Tennessee to the late Robert Lee and Nora Raby Boruff, Sr. Following his service in the United States Navy, Bill held a job managing a crew installing gas lines. One of those job sites was in Sparta where he had a chance encounter with White County native Barbara Jo Carter that changed his life. That encounter led to a 59-year marriage for the two of them and a new career for Bill. He started selling cars on his father-in-law's lot which ultimately resulted in the founding of Bill Boruff Automotive. Bill's successful career in the automotive industry lasted for over 55 years. In addition, Bill loved the outdoors, gardening and watering flowers. In fact, his dealership and home were always adorned with flowers. Bill enjoyed the peace that he found while watering flowers, often using that time to reflect on his business and brainstorm ways to improve it. He had a passion for quietly helping those in need in the community. Bill was a proud member and faithfully attended Bear Cove Baptist Church, the same church in which he was married and saved. Bill will be fondly be remembered as a solid Christian man of the community.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son Richmond Boruff; brother Bobby Boruff and sister Betty Helton.

Surviving family members include his wife of 59 years Barbara Boruff

Grandchildren: River Boruff, Ocean Edwards, Jenna Herring and Christopher Boruff

Half-sister: Jean Potter

Sister-in-law: Donna "Wasper" Lee and husband Jeff

Nephews: Rodney Boruff and wife Missy, Johnathan Demps and wife Jerrica

Great niece: Blaine Starnes and husband Caleb

Great nephews: Gavin Boruff and wife Sierra, Jarrett Lake Demps and Jay Creek Demps

Great-great nephew: Oliver Starnes

Funeral services will be conducted 6:00pm Monday, October 20, 2025 at Bear Cove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends after 2:00pm Monday at the church. Graveside services will be conducted 2:00pm Tuesday at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Frank Derrick and Doug Benningfield will officiate.

Billy Gilbert, Rodney Boruff, Jeff Lee, J.R. Demps, James Wilmoth and Larry Frasier will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Callis, Gary McDonald, Billy Lee, Robert Hawkins, Jarrett Lake Demps, James Dodson and Gavin Boruff

Memorials may be made to Bear Cove Baptist Church