Percell Ruffin, Jr.

Mr. Percell Ruffin, Jr., age 51, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Wilson, North Carolina on August 24, 1957, Percell is the son of Louise Strickland and the late Percell Ruffin, Sr. He was raised and educated in North Carolina where he was trained as a machinist and also attended bartending school. He relocated to Utica at age 17. It was in November 1978 that he married the former Ellen Strickland with whom he started his family. He later entered a 20 year union with his companion, Virginia Shelton, a relationship based on family and love for each other. Percell’s mechanical expertise was utilized at his main job with Utica Radiator. He also participated in farm work where he cultivated many memories in working the bean fields. As a son and father, he was dependable and hard-working. A jokester by nature, he could liven up a room with his sense of humor and his memorable smile. He was a concerned man who was always ready to lend a hand to family or friends, or work on their automobiles if they needed repair. Percell enjoyed fishing and attending family gatherings, especially reunions and barbecues. He loved music, and his favorites were the oldies. He was of the Pentacostal faith. Percell is survived by his mother, Louise Strickland; and his daughters and their families, Tracy Ruffin and Frank Dixson, Jennifer Ruffin and Robert Bradley, Karen Strickland and Hock Cole, Anita Ruffin and Stefan Byrd, Cynthia Ruffin and Robert Deyose, all of Utica. Always close to his heart was the memory of his daughter, Gladys Ruffin, who preceded him in death. He also leaves a host of grandchildren: Sheena, Isaiah, Tamika, Enoshja, Fatijah, Tyshawn; Keshonna, Terry, Terrick, Little Robert, Romone, Keshona, Lassandra, Haguindus, Racquon, Oreon, Ziyara, Preonda; Dashel, Sherrelle, Handeise, Kimerre, Stephan, Jr.; Robreaisa, Robert, Eugene, Shuniya, and Roasear; and his 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Prest, Jr. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Lula and Fredrick Thomas of NC, and Loretta Ruffin of Utica; his brother, Anthony Ruffin and Jeanette Howard of Utica; nieces, Denisha Ruffin, Veronica Strickland, Cassandra “Tumbleweed” Ruffin; nephew, Anthony Strickland; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, of Philadelphia, PA; and in-laws, Helen and Neil Saxe, and Jerry Strickland. He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen Strickland-Ruffin; his sister, Barbara Ann Finch; his grandmother, Hattie Norwood; his great-grandmother Maggie Lucas; his aunt, Maddy Lucas; and his in-laws, Bobby and James Lee Strickland, Grace Diggins, and Patricia Strickland. The family would like to thank Bishop H. Thomas of Christ Temple Church, for his kindness and compassion. Visitation will be held Tuesday 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Percell’s Home Going Celebration will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at Christ Temple Church with Rev. Clark officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Percell Ruffin, Jr.

August 24, 1957 - April 26, 2009