Joseph Michael Ruffin, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairview on Sunday, August 30, 2026. He was born October 31, 1946, to Joseph Ellis Ruffin and Sara Foster Maddox Ruffin. Michael was a graduate of Mississippi State University and retired from International Paper Company, where he was in charge of purchasing and maintenance of equipment across four states. In his younger years, Michael enjoyed traveling with and riding his horses, playing poker with his buddies in Johnson City, TN, as well as fishing and hunting. He was a devoted father, a faithful Christian man, and a wonderful story teller who could always bring humor and laughter to those around him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his quick wit, and the stories he so loved to share.

Services will be private. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Holliday Lynn Williams Ruffin; three sons, Joseph Adam Ruffin (Susan) of Saint Matthews, SC, Christopher Michael Ruffin (Candace) of Chapin, SC, and Nathan Forrest Ruffin of Fairview; one brother, Russell Ellis Ruffin (Deborah) of Laurel, MS; one sister, Sara Lydia Ruffin (Bonnie Taylor) of St. Louis, Missouri; four grandchildren, Joseph Jacob Ruffin (Krystalle), Bailey Ruffin Howell (Jordan), Christopher Jackson Ruffin, and Emily Nicole Ruffin; two great grandchildren, Olivia Ann Ruffin and Joseph Rylan Ruffin..

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Harwood Ruffin; one sister-in-law, Deborah Ryan Ruffin; his mother and father -in- law, James and Carol Lynn Williams; and his parents, Joseph Ellis and Sara Foster Maddox Ruffin.