John S. Ruffin, Sr.

John Stanley Ruffin, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 7, 2024 in Athens, Georgia at the age of 88. John was born September 30, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee to Marie Phillips Ruffin and Frank P. Ruffin. He attended Messick School and East High School. While attending Memphis State University, John met and eventually married the love of his life Frances Marie Robilio in December 1957. 

John became a first lieutenant in the US Air Force and served as a Navigator and Radar Intercept Officer based in Waco, Texas and Oxnard, California. Following his discharge, he moved his family back to Memphis where he was a partner in the Memphis Liquor Shop and earned his BBA in Accounting, graduating cum laude. 

He then spent 26 years in the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), including 12 years as the Regional Director of both the Atlanta and Austin regions. Following his retirement from NCUA, he served as Executive VP and later President and CEO of Robins Federal Credit Union. 

John also served on the board of the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins and was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Athens for many years. He was an enthusiastic runner, completing 5 marathons and numerous 10k and 5k races, including running the Peachtree Road Race with two of his daughters.

While living in Texas, John and his wife became avid collectors of Blue Ridge China, eventually amassing a collection of over 5,000 pieces. They published 4 books on this topic and played an active role in the Blue Ridge Community. John also started an Etsy store selling jewelry he made from Blue Ridge pottery. 

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Frances Marie Robilio, whom he referred to as “the greatest wife ever.” He is survived by his sister Margaret Ruffin Hardwick (Eddie) and five children: John S. Ruffin, Jr. (Lisa), Cheryl Anne Walz (Jonathan), Andrea Leigh Weir (Scott), Dana Elizabeth Redwine (Roby), and Theresa Marie Jones (Tom), as well as 12 much loved grandchildren: Elizabeth (Andy), Roby, Maggie, John Scott, Angelina, Tommy, Frances, Robert, Rebecca, Abby, Bonnie, and Jack, great-granddaughter, Wrenlee, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

John will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as devoted husband, Dad, Pawpaw, veteran, dispenser of sound advice, and dedicated family man. He loved fishing and boating on Big Orange, picnics, the Atlanta Braves, the Dawgs, ice cream, and a good nap.

The family will receive visitors at the Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, Friday, October 11, from 10:00 to noon, with a private graveside service afterwards at Oconee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com