Carl Edward Ruffin

Mr. Carl Edward Ruffin, 79, departed this life and entered into eternal life on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.

Born December 26th, 1945, in Martin County, he was the son of the late Ivory and Blanche

Ruffin. Carl was educated in the public school system of Martin County and attended Elizabeth City State University until he joined the United States Army where he worked as a mechanic and ranked as SP5. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, Carl still had a passion to serve and protect his fellow Americans which led him to become a Washington D.C. police officer. Carl moved to Salisbury NC where he began his long career at Marshall Steam Station in Mooresville, NC. Carl made history as being the first African American electrician at Marshall Steam Station. He was also the proud owner and operator of “Ruffin Electric Company.” Carl was an undeniable jack of all trades. When he wasn't busy working you might find him watching westerns, admiring antique cars, or eating ice cream.

Carl enjoyed listening virtually to Long Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning worship services to hear the Word of God. Carl was a God-Fearing man with his favorite Bible verse being 2 Corinthians 5:7 For We Walk By Faith Not By Sight.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Ruffin, Cleonza Jones, Ronnie Ruffin; and sisters, Pauline Ghee and Viola James.

Those left to cherish his most precious memories are his devoted wife, Essie Graham Ruffin of the home; his two daughters, Monique Ruffin Hubbard (Patrick) of Orangeburg, SC, and Felicia Ruffin Butler (Jamar) of Salisbury; seven grandchildren, Jontez Land, Dykira Ruffin, D'Asia Ruffin, Patrick “PJ” Hubbard Jr., Kenneth “Ju-Ju” Drye III, Erin Woodbury, Autumn Brooks (Bradford); one great grandchild, Mia Gonzalez Land; two sisters, Inez Sutton (the late William Sutton) and Janice Ford (Glenn) both of Jamesville NC; three godson's, Michael Boston, Michael Armstrong and Calvin Dickerson; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Lovingly submitted by the Family.

Arrangements: Public Walk Thru Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 3:00pm-5:00pm at the funeral home. Services are Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Visitation at 12:00pm and Funeral at 12:30pm. Military Rites and Interment at 2:30pm at the Salisbury National Cemetery. Reverend James Milton, Officiating and Reverend Andrew Davis, Pastor, Eulogist.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Ruffin family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.