Robert William Ruf, 89, of Athens died Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at Athens Health and Rehabilitation.
Visitation will be Friday, August 5, 2016, from 1 to 3:45 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 4 p.m. with Roger Jenkins officiating and burial in Roselawn Cemetery.
Mr. Ruf was born May 1, 1927, in Limestone County to Willie and Minnie Ruf. He was a World War II veteran, who served in German with the Occupational Operation guarding S.S. Troops prisoners of war. After discharge from the army, he attended Athens College on the GI Bill and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He first worked with Thiokol Chemical Corporation and later with IBM. While working for IBM he worked at the Huntsville, AL plant, the Burlington, VT plant, the Endicott, NY plant and the Charlotte, NC plant.
During his retirement years, he spent his time doing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and spent many hours driving around the country in his truck.
Mr. Ruf was a member of Decatur First Baptist and enjoyed helping with the Christmas decorating each year.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances Juanita Menefee Ruf; and his sister, Clara Marie Ruf Bumpus. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Jacobs (Kenneth), and his brother, Marvin Edward Ruf, both of Athens; two nephews, Jason Ruf and Justin Ruf (Karla) both of Athens; and two great nephews. He is also survived by a number of cousins and a host of friends.
In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Jean Menefee Phillips of Decatur, his brother-in-law, Stanley Menefee (Wanda) of Athens; and 3 nephews-in-law: Butch Menefee, Stan Menefee, and Dustin Menefee.
Pallbearers will be Butch Menefee, Stan Menefee, Dustin Menefee, Justin Ruf, David Ruf and Heath Dorning.
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