Frank Hillsdon Ruff, 80, passed away on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at The Fellowship Home, in Valdosta Ga. Frank was born July 13, 1941, in Jacksonville, Fla. to Frank Lawrence Ruff and Helen Mamie Toole Ruff.
Frank graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, in Jacksonville, in 1959. He then enlisted and honorably served our country in the United States Air Force for six years. Afterwards, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida Fisher School of Accounting in 1966 and attained his designation of Certified Public Accountant. He later pursued and attained the designation of Certified Financial Planner, as he realized how much he enjoyed helping people prepare for their financial future. Frank’s career spanned approximately 44 years and took him to various locations, mostly in North Florida. He retired from his established practice in Madison in 2010. He loved his career and loved helping people.
Frank was a long-time member of Lee United Methodist Church, in Lee. Frank was a humble Christian servant that let his actions do his talking, leading by example. Frank loved his wife, Mary, more than anything and lived his wedding vows by always providing for her. He was a stern but loving father who demonstrated and expected hard work, integrity, and honesty. He was a friend to many and was loved and respected by all that knew him. He was known for being witty and for his dry, sarcastic sense of humor, always quick to poke and tease. As stated by many, “this world needs more men like Mr. Frank” – he left some mighty big shoes to fill.
Frank had a love and passion for Haiti and its people. This started in the mid-1970s when he flew a small plane to Les Cayes, Haiti, to visit a missionary friend, as part of attaining his pilot’s certification. This developed into a ministry of short-term mission trips. Over the years, he organized and led many such trips, which God used to impact and change many lives at home and abroad.
Frank’s life-long love of woodworking made him into a Master Woodworker. He could often be found at home in his woodshop or studying the art of woodworking. He loved making furniture and selflessly fixing things for family and friends. Pieces of his heirloom quality furniture will serve as reminders of Frank for generations to come.
Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ruff, now living at The Fellowship Home in Valdosta, GA; son, Keith Ruff (Stephanie), of Madison; daughter, Gail Ruff (George), of Beacon, N.Y.; son, Doug Ruff (Jann), of Hahira, Ga.; daughter, Nancy Rozgony (Dave), of Pasadena, Md.; his grandchildren: Ellie, Ruby, Lyla and Fisher Ruff; and Micah and Luke Rozgony; sister, Gloria Larsen; and numerous sister-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and many brothers and sisters in-laws. The family would like to extend special thanks to both The Fellowship Home and South Georgia Hospice – words are not enough.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Burns Funeral Home of Madison. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. at Lee United Methodist Church, in Lee. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials can be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home/Madison Youth Ranch or The Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com/location/6330. Due to COVID-19, masks and common sense are requested by the family.
Burns Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family.