Robert "Robby" Ruff

Robert Marion “Robby” Ruff, 86, of Newberry, passed away on May 26, 2025, at his home.

Born on November 3, 1938, in Newberry County, he was the son of the late Robert Lee and Marian Olivia Halfacre Ruff. Robby attended St. Philip’s School and graduated from Pomaria High School in 1956. He attended Newberry College. He served in the South Carolina National Guard.

He was a member of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church where he was a member of the Faithful Sunday School Class and had served on the Church Council.

Robby was a member of the St. Philip’s Farmers Association.

He enjoyed hunting especially going hunting with the St. Philip’s Coon Hunters and working a garden every year. He got great joy out of sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends. Robby was a member of the St. Philip’s Breakfast Club where they had great fellowship and enjoyed a good game of Setback.

Family was his life. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He always attended any events where his granddaughters were participating. Robby always enjoyed traveling on family adventures.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma Shealy Ruff; daughter, Susan Marian Ruff (Mike) Swygert of Newberry; granddaughters, Brooke Shealy Swygert (Wayne Kinard) and Taylor Ruff Swygert; dear cousins who were like brothers to him, Leonard (Paulette) Halfacre of Prosperity and Rev. Andrew David (Janie) Eargle of Newberry. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Ann Ruff Wise.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. Terry Amick. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, 2461 St. Philip's Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Skipper Livingston, Jessie Smith, Casey Smith, Scott Roton, Philip Sligh, Hannon Bedenbaugh and Kaleb Boland.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew David Eargle, Leonard Halfacre, Phil Epps, Elmer Long, Von Long, George Ruff, Norris Long and the staff of Three Oaks Hospice.