William Joseph Ruff, 73, of Mill Spring, N.C. passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Polk County born to the late Carl Gladford and Dora Belle Ruff. He was a veteran of the U.S Army serving as a medic during Vietnam. After returning from service, he worked for Hatch Mill in Columbus, N.C. for 40 years until his retirement. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar. He was a member of Mill Spring First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, James Ruff and David Ruff.

Surviving are one brother, Gladford Ruff Jr., three sisters, Virginia Owensby Phillips, Margie Ruff Case, and Lois Ruff, three nieces, Mindy, Brittany, and June, and one special niece Wanda Thompson, and many other nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Cane Creek Baptist Church in Lake Lure, N.C. with Rev. Hubert Street, and Rev. Ansel Pace officiating. Music will be provided by James Metcalf.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 – 1:45 p.m.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by The Polk County Veteran Memorial Honor Guard.

Family will be at the home of Virginia Owensby Phillips, 7661 Hwy. 108 E., Mill Spring, NC 28756.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.