Rocky Mount -

Johnnie Mack Ruffin, age 89, passed away Wednesday evening, October 12, 2022 at Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was born in Nash County on New Year's Day, 1933 to Paul R. and Lula Mae Ruffin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Johnnie Mack Ruffin, Jr.; sisters, Betty Ruffin Salter and Shirley Ruffin English; and brother, Paul Raymond Ruffin, Jr.

Mack worked for Carolina Telephone/Sprint and retired after 42 years of dedicated service. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He looked forward to his vacations at the beach where he made many memories with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him.

Mack leaves a lifetime of cherished memories for his wife of fifty-eight years, Jeannie Ezzell Ruffin; son, Allen Dunn (Sandi); daughter, Lori Ruffin Edmondson (John); and sister, Linda Ruffin Armstrong, all of Rocky Mount. He was an especially proud Papa to his grandchildren, Kaleb Edmondson, Noah Edmondson (Kylie Carnahan), Emily Edmondson (Andrew Patrick), Tommy Ruffin (Tracey), and Joe Ruffin (Lauren); and great-grandchildren, Karsyn, Karli, and J.T. Ruffin, Addison Scott, Mack Ruffin, and Gracen Edmondson. Mack will also be greatly missed by many family friends, nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

A memorial service will be Monday, October 17, 2022 at 11:00AM at Oakdale Baptist Church, 13037 US Highway 64 Alt W, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00AM and other times at the home.