Milton Randolph Ruff, 96, of Mathews, Va., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, after a short illness.  

Milton was born Feb. 5, 1919 in the Miles store area of Mathews to Lycurcus and Sadie (White) Ruff. He attended the local grammar school and graduated from Thomas Hunter High School in 1937. Milton joined the Army Air Force in 1941 and was honorably discharged in 1945.  

Milton worked as a carpenter and handyman throughout Mathews and the surrounding areas. On Jan. 22, 1954, Milton married the former Bessie Lee Smith of Norwalk, Conn., in North, Va. Milton continued to work well into his 80s in his local community and was well known for his willingness to come out and help a neighbor with a problem.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Waverly and George, and a grandson, Benjamin Marble.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie; two sons, Melvin and Randy; a daughter Judy; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and a host of other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dementia Society of America or a charity of your choice.

Service time will be Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church Cardinal, Va. Viewing will be at the church from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday.