Jessie M. Ruffin

Jessie M. Ruffin was born November 2, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia to Elsie Brown Ruffin and
Jessie M. Ruffin, Sr.  He departed this life on February 4, 2025 at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Joan Ruffin, one brother, Keith Duckett, and one son, Marcellus Donyell Ruffin.

Jessie was a charismatic man with a calm demeanor, a people person, a great listener, and fun to be around. He was very stylish, and he always made an impression with his suits, hats, and shoes. He was a great cook of many foods and often received requests from family and friends for his popular macaroni and cheese and lemon chess pie. His favorite things to do were watching karate movies, sports, and going to the movies. He enjoyed movie popcorn so much that he made special trips to purchase it without seeing a movie.

Jessie was known to many as “Rock”. He was also known for his great vocals and was a member of the R&B group, “Roy, Rock & Reese” of Richmond, Virginia. Their songs included, "Who's Complaining", "Pretending", and "What's Happening Baby". His passion for song writing and singing afforded him the opportunity to travel, network, and perform with various artists and musicians in the industry.

After starting a family, he stepped away from performing and focused on his career in the medical field, where he worked in Richmond at MCV Hospital, Richmond Memorial Hospital, and Southeast Hospital in Washington, DC. In later years, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked at Dekalb General Hospital.  

While in Atlanta, Jessie expanded his vision, pursued his goals, and focused on his relationship with the Lord.  He achieved his goal to become an author and he self-published his book, “Conversation with My Father Whom I Have Never Seen”. He attended Interdenominational True Church of Christ for several years, where he served as deacon and then became an Assistant Pastor.

Jessie leaves to cherish his memories: one aunt, Irene Brown Wright; two sisters, Geraldine Cannon and Michelle (George) Hines; five children, Claudia Ruffin (NJ), Raphael (Cathy) Gaskin, Sharon Cannon, Darlene (Garick) Cole, and Marcus Ruffin (GA); two granddaughters, Raeshan Henderson and Tiandra Gaskin; five grandsons, Marell Evans, Cordell Cannon, Joshua Ruffin, Imari Ruffin, and Josiah Ruffin; one devoted niece, Yvette Cannon. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

May his memory be a blessing, and he will forever be in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA, with a viewing held one hour prior to the service. 

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.