Ruffin M. Prentiss,Jr.

Ruffin Mansfield Prentiss Jr. departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 6, 1951, to the late Ruffin Prentiss Sr. and Marguerite Prentiss. As a child and member of Gilfield Baptist Church, Ruffin was baptized at an early age. He graduated from Ruthville High School in 1969, where he excelled in basketball and began to date the love of his life, Delcenia. Following graduation, they both attended Virginia State University. After completing three years of college, Ruffin chose to enter the workforce. He began a career with Philip Morris, where he faithfully worked for 31 years as a fixer before retiring. Ruffin and Delcenia had known each other since childhood. Their friendship blossomed into a high school romance, and they were united in marriage on April 14, 1979. Together, they shared 47 years of unwavering love and devotion. From their union came two beloved sons, Ruffin Prentiss III and Landon Prentiss. Affectionately known as "Buster" to many, Ruffin was a loving, present, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply involved in both of his sons' athletic journeys, traveling countless miles for AAU basketball and baseball games. He was also known for quietly helping young athletes whose families could not afford the costs of participation, often providing financial assistance without ever seeking recognition or thanks. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he never missed an opportunity to spoil them with a new book or toy he had found online. He loved them deeply, and they always knew how cherished they were. Ruffin had a unique gift for bringing joy wherever he went. He could be the life of the party while also serving as a calming and steady presence in any room. He enjoyed fishing, sports, reading, puzzles, collecting model cars, and fixing just about anything that needed repair. There wasn't much he couldn't take apart, repair, and reassemble even better than before. As he often reminded his wife, he was a genius. Having worked the night shift for many years, Ruffin naturally became somewhat nocturnal, but he always made time for his family and friends. He faithfully played his lottery numbers and often enjoyed the company of friends he met at "The Deli." Known for his generous heart and his constant willingness to help others, Ruffin lived by the simple question, "How can I help?" Above all, he knew how to enjoy life. Anyone who spent time with him could count on laughter, great conversation, and unforgettable memories. He lived life to the fullest while remaining steadfast in his love and commitment to his family and friends. Ruffin leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Delcenia Prentiss; his sister, JoAnne Crawley Bell; his beloved sons, Ruffin Prentiss III and Landon Prentiss; his daughters-in-law, Carra Patterson-Prentiss and Caitlin Prentiss; his cherished grandchildren, Cressida Prentiss, Ozzie Prentiss, Coretta Prentiss, Violet Prentiss and Cleopatra Prentiss; his mother-in-law, Lillian Crump; his sisters-in-law, Janet Crawley, Patricia Janes, Diane Allen and Kathy Jones; his brothers-in-law, Gerald Carter, Warren Bell, Cornelius Crawley, Vance Jones and Kevin Crump; his sisters-in-love, Diane Prentiss, Dixie Burrell, Sandra Thomas, Marilyn Williams, Elaine Garnett, Susie Jones, and Hope Crawley; his brothers-in-love, Alvin Jones, Bruce Person, Marvin Fallen, Marvin Price, Wilson Burrell and Greg Davis; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. That the funeral will be live streamed on the St. John Baptist Church Facebook page.

Tributes

Ruffin M. Prentiss,Jr.

January 6, 1951 - July 15, 2026