Roy Lee Ruffin, Sr. of 2208 Alabama Avenue, Suffolk died Wednesday, March 18, 2009 in Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late Tom and Martha Ruffin. He was also predeceased by his son, Roy Ruffin, Jr. one brother, James McCoy Ruffin; and one sister, Fannie Ruffin.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He retired as a welder from Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Annette Ruffin; two daughters, Sherrie Ruffin of Suffolk and Valarie Goodson (Keith) of Hampton, VA; three grandchildren, Nyla Annette Goodson, Wyatt Stallings and Arlen Keith Goodson; six sisters, Lucille Johnson and Alberta Neville (Fred) of Alexandria, VA, Gloria Riddick (John), Louvenia Ruffin and Shirley Donaldson (Marshall) all of Suffolk, Carolene Hunter (Nate) of Portsmouth; three brothers, George Thomas Ruffin of Portsmouth, Robert Ruffin (Elaine) and Tom Ruffin, Jr. both of Suffolk; a special adopted daughter, Diane Bailey; two adopted grandchildren, Dexter and Bryant Bailey;

A funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m.Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Oak Grove Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Anthony Copeland. Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. is handling the arrangements.