Richard “Carlton” Ruffin

ROCKY MOUNT - Richard "Carlton" Ruffin, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Born in Nash County, NC on April 17, 1937, he was the son of the late Mark Richard Ruffin and Hettie Wilder Ruffin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Faye Kirkland Ruffin; brother, Ronnie Ruffin and sister-in-law, Elizabeth "Anne" Kirkland Kelley. A true family man from beginning to end, Carlton would always place his family first before anything. As a devoted husband, he stood by his wife's side prior to her passing, providing love and support for her as not only her husband, but also as her primary caregiver. Always one to give more of himself than what was asked for, he volunteered early in life serving in the Army Reserves, and later as an auxiliary police officer with the Rocky Mount City Police Department. His career with Don Bulluck Chevrolet spanned 42 years holding positions such as sales manager and later as the dealership's fleet manager. His achievements, through his hard work and dedication, enabled him to travel the world over the years visiting destinations he may have otherwise only dreamed of. Carlton was a friend to many, along with his most devoted man's best friend "Lil Guy", and will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all those who knew him. Carlton leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Rick Ruffin and his wife, Mary, of Rocky Mount and by his grandchildren, Ben Ruffin of Raleigh and Kristin Ruffin of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his brother Mike Ruffin and his wife, Robbie, of Concord; his sister Debbie Ruffin Bobbitt and her husband, Bob, of Rocky Mount; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Ruffin of Rocky Mount; a brother-in-law, John "Jay" Kirkland and his wife, Cathy, of Midlothian, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with his brother, Rev. Mike Ruffin officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services prior to the Graveside Service. Saturday, November 26, 2016, we will also be celebrating Carlton and Faye's 57th Heavenly Wedding Anniversary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carlton's name to Tri-County Industries, 1250 Atlantic Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Mr. Ruffin's family would like to especially thank the caring staff at Life Care Hospital as well as the devoted therapy team at Autumn Care Nursing Home. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 11/26, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Saturday 11/26, 1:00 pm Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801