On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, our dear father, grandfather, and brother, Anthony Roger Ruff, of Philadelphia, PA, went home to be with the Lord. He was 86 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, PA,  in 1937, he was the son of the late Wallace Andrew and Mildred (Crump) Ruff.  He was the beloved husband of the late Kathelene (Taylor) Ruff, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.

He is survived by three children; sons, Michael Gary Taylor (wife Terry), and Marcellus R. Ruff (wife Alicia), all of Delaware; daughter, Belinda Payne-Fuerter, of California; ten grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sister, Joan Jones; and brother, Wallace "Skipper" Ruff, both of Philadelphia, as well as other relatives and friends.

After high school, Anthony enlisted in the United States Army in 1954, and served as a weapons infantry soldier.  He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1957.

During the years, he worked as a machinist laborer at Jefferson Smurfit Container Corporation Paper Mill in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He was a member of Zion Baptist church for many years.

Anthony enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, going to the Phillies and Sixers games, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles.

In addition to his wife Kathelene, he was preceded in death by his son Turhan Allen Payne.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140. A viewing will be held at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

Click here on Tuesday, January 16th beginning at 10:45 AM to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.​

Zoom Meeting ID: 846 9015 0438     Passcode: Wright

Interment will be in Chelten Hills Cemetery, 1701 East Washington Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19138.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in Mr. Ruff's memory.