Garry Evan Ruff

Garry Evan Ruff, age 69, born to Flavil Leon and Elizabeth Mary Ruff, passed away early October 3, 2016. Garry was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Karen. Garry leaves behind his wife Nancy Ruff, as well as son, Paul Ruff and wife Cindy, and daughter Lori Cripple and husband John. Other surviving family include; brother, Jerry Ruff and wife Sharon, sister, June Leasure and husband Charles, two step sons, Charles Head and wife Tracy and Brian Head and wife Amy; five grandchildren Daniel, Craig, and Reagan Ruff and Kaylee and Madelyn Cripple. An Ohio native and graduate from Steubenville High School in 1965, Garry also received his Bachelors of Chemical Engineering from Ohio University in 1969. Garry also earned his Bachelors of Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. After over thirty years of employment, Garry retired from Dupont in 2004. In 2004; Garry responded to a call to ministry, earning a Master of Divinity in 2008 from Asbury Seminary. Garry was an active participant of the Mississippi Conference, Seashore District Church Building and Location Committee, as well as Mississippi Annual Conference Journal Staff. Reverend Ruff served as pastor for Midway United Methodist Church and most recently, Cedar Lake United Methodist Church until 2015. Earlier this year, Garry was appointed Vice Chair of the Mississippi Conference board of Pensions. Visitation with be held at First United Methodist Church in Long Beach, MS on Thursday, October 6 at 1:00pm. Memorial services will follow at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any donations be given in his memory to Christ United Methodist Church, 6121 Beatline Road, Long Beach, MS 39560. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com