Gary Ruff, 62, of Polk County, NC passed suddenly early Saturday morning, March 07, 2020 in Asheville, NC.

Mr. Ruff was born on Tuesday, May 14, 1957 in Polk County, North Carolina to Sue (Pittman) and the late Frankie Ruff. On August 30, 1975 he married the love of his life Elizabeth Turner, his wife of 44 years.

After graduating high school, he worked full time at FCX Farm and Feed Store in Hendersonville, NC. He left there in 1976 to take a job with Kimberly-Clark Berkley Mills, also in Hendersonville, NC. He started out working as a machine operator in the TFL section of the plant. He worked many years until he was offered a scholarship from Kimberly-Clark to go to night classes and receive his Associates Degree which allowed him to gain a position as an Industrial Mechanic. In total he worked 36 years at Berkley Mills.

Mr. Ruff was always known for his outgoing personality, humor, and willingness to help anyone in need. His special hobbies were fishing, hunting, motorcycles, and gardening. He also spent much time cooking and trying new recipes.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, he leaves behind two loving children. G. Daniel Ruff and his wife, Emma of Charlotte, NC, and Chrystal Smith. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Alexander Smith, Caleb Smith, Sarah Smith, Elena Ruff, and Connor Ruff. He is also survived by his mother, Sue Ruff and his brother, David Ruff, and two sisters, Janet Gover and Cindy Ruff. In addition to his father, Gary was predeceased by his brother Steven Ruff.

A service to celebrate Mr. Ruff’s life will be three o’clock Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2020 with the family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:45 PM prior to the service at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, 538 Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, NC with Pastor Dan Blackwell officiating.

Memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Mr. Ruff to the Henderson County 4-H Club or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Gary led a life of purpose and inspiration and will be forever missed by his loving and devoted family and his many close and dear friends. May angels sing him home to rest.
Arrangements are in the care of Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville, NC. Online condolences may be shared at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.