Dr. Elder Will Ruffin

Reverend Will Ruffin Jr, peacefully passed away on August 9, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, educator, and servant of God, he was born January 21, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Willie Ruffin and Susie Hollin. He peacefully entered eternal rest on August 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and love.

Reverend Ruffin was the youngest of his siblings and was preceded in death by five brothers. He was a devoted husband to the late Arenthia Miller Ruffin and a loving father to Sonya, Angela, Derrick Ruffin, and the late Tonya Harice. His commitment to education and ministry was evident throughout his life. He graduated from Hooper City High School in Birmingham, Alabama, and continued his education at Beth College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he earned an Associate degree. He pursued further studies at Cincinnati Bible College, completed a training course at Los Angeles City College, and participated in foreign studies in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Galilee, Capernaum, and Amman, Jordan. He also studied at the Institute of

Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and was honored with a Doctor of Theology degree from Bethel College of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Reverend Ruffin’s ministerial journey included serving as a youth pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his ministerial license on February 8, 1986, and was ordained a Baptist minister on March 10, 1988. Throughout his ministry, he served as an assistant pastor at Connor’s Temple Baptist Church, senior pastor of Southover Baptist Church, and pastor of Skidaway Baptist Church and Sweetfield of Eden Baptist Church. His passion for young people and community development was especially evident through the Will Ruffin Jr. Youth Group and Bible Study. From September 1994 through July 1995, the program welcomed approximately 1,570 attendees. He organized food bank programs, developed church programs, encouraged church growth, and worked diligently to involve members in meaningful activities that strengthened the church family.

Reverend Ruffin believed deeply in helping others. He worked to secure grants for families affected by fires and for students pursuing higher education. He helped establish a computer center, organized a Trustee Board, and advocated for students seeking college assistance. He also shared his ministry through broadcasting on WSOK Radio Station on Sunday mornings. His service extended far beyond the pulpit and also was affiliated with the Savannah Baptist Ministers Union, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Martin Luther King Observance Day Association, Urban League, Operation PUSH, NAACP, and Eureka Lodge #1, Prince Hall Affiliation, Jurisdiction of Georgia.

Reverend Ruffin leaves to cherish his memory his children, Sonya, Angela, and Derrick Ruffin; grandchildren; Dr.Kofi Amanquah (Renee), Emanual Davenport (Kanisha), Lashonda, Lashaundra, Tamika, Ricky, James, Travaris, Quintavius, Dontavius, and Derrick Jr.; 25 great-grandchildren; his great-niece, Angie Ruffin of Cincinnati, Ohio; his extended family, church family, friends, and countless lives touched by his ministry and service. He also leaves a very special friend, Ms. Anitra Young.

A man of faith, compassion, determination, and service, Reverend Will Ruffin Jr. dedicated his life to God, his family, his church, and his community. His teachings, leadership, generosity, and love for others will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. Though he is no longer with us in body, his legacy remains. His work is complete, his faith has become sight, and his memory will forever be a blessing.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”