Joe Mason Ruf, 75, of Athens, passed away on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, at Limestone Health Facility. He was born August 15th, 1951, in Athens, Alabama, to Albert and Marion (Clem) Ruf.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Jennifer Ruf of Athens; daughter, Alyson Ruf of Athens; son Joel Ruf (Amy) of Frisco, Texas; brother, Bobby Ruf of Athens; and grandchildren, Hannah Kulp of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Haley Ruf of Abilene, Texas, and Mason Ruf of Frisco, Texas.
Mr. Ruf was preceded in death by son, Justin Ruf.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 29th, 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will Thursday, at 1:00 p.m., at Burningtree Memorial Gardens, with Jonathan Reeder officiating. Burial will be at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bobby Joe Ruf, Jake Zirbel, Anthony Zirbel, Roy Houston Turner, Bradley Craig, and Mason Ruf.
Mr. Ruf was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. He was a member of Beltline Church of Christ in Decatur for thirty-three years. He enjoyed serving as an usher and communion coordinator during his time there. He joined Jones Road Church of Christ when the family moved to Athens in 2006. He loved his fellow members there and they loved him.
He served the community as a reserved sheriff deputy in Morgan County for over five years in the 1970s and 80s.
He worked for over ten years at Monsanto in Decatur, where he served on the volunteer fire brigade. He then worked at Steelcase in Athens with over twenty-five years of devoted service.
Joe loved his family above all but also saved a piece of his heart for Atlanta Braves baseball and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations made either to Hospice of Limestone County or Jones Road Church of Christ.
