Joel S. Ruffin, 55, transitioned from earthly to eternal life peacefully on April 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
The Early Years
Born on Christmas Day in 1970 to Raymond L. and Althea Cannon Ruffin, Joel was delivered at the historical Wilford Hall United States Air Force Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Truly a “gift from God on Christmas Day,” Joel was the second son born to his parents. Growing up in a military family alongside his siblings, Raymond and Brian, he was affectionately known as a “military brat”—a term he wore with pride as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
Joel received his formal education through the Warrensville Heights School System and graduated with the Class of 1989. A proud Tiger alum, he cherished his school years, attending many class reunions and campus tours while maintaining the valuable friendships he made there. Following graduation, Joel answered the call to service and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1990.
The Middle Years
Joel possessed a magnetic personality and a charisma that left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He loved to share stories, often jokingly telling anyone who would listen that he and his older brother, Raymond, were walk-on extras in the iconic holiday classic, A Christmas Story.
His humor and charm eventually led him to the love of his life, Robbie. The two met at Sam’s Club, where Joel worked, and he quite literally joked his way into her heart. They were married on August 31, 2002, and later welcomed their daughter, Kennadi, with immense joy in 2006.
Joel was a dedicated provider, spending nearly 26 years at Dominion where he rose through the ranks to become a Customer Service Specialist. His hard work and dedication allowed his family to build their “forever home.”
Interests & Legacy
Outside of work, Joel was a man of many passions. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he navigated the “precarious” life of a fan living in Cleveland, Ohio, with his signature wit, often joking his way out of many rivalry interactions. He was an avid fisherman who took great joy in eating what he caught.
Joel had a penchant for the finer things in life, from tailored clothing and Coogi sweaters to his collection of personalized tennis shoes. As a passionate foodie, he loved cooking fine foods, believing that love for people was the ultimate ingredient in every meal he prepared. He was also well-versed in the music of the ’80s and ’90s.
Most importantly, Joel was a kind man of unwavering integrity and a devoted Christian. He lived by the words of Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Family
Joel is preceded in death by his father, Raymond L. Ruffin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Robbie; his children: Kennadi, Tabbatha, Alexis, and Jailya; and one granddaughter, India. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Althea Ruffin; his siblings: Raymond, Brian, and Joi; his special friends, Roland Brown and James Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.