Louis Archer Ruffin III

Louis Archer Ruffin III, 78, passed away on May 20, 2025, surrounded by loving family at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, VA, after a complicated surgery and extended illness and hospital stay. Louis, known to all who loved him as "Big Lou," was a native of Chester, VA, and the son of the late Louis A. Ruffin, Jr. and Louise Keys Ruffin, of Chester.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Mary Nolte Ruffin, of Richmond and Norfolk, VA; and by his children, Louis A. Ruffin IV (Christy) and Robert Adam White (Alexandra). He is also survived by his sisters, Bonnie Ruffin Spain (James) and Cheryl Archer Ruffin; as well as grandchildren, Hunter and Justin Ruffin; great-granddaughter Amelia; two nieces; a nephew; numerous cousins; and many dear friends.

He received his education at Thomas Dale High School, graduating in 1966, and was en route to Virginia Tech to continue his studies and play basketball, when he was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. A proud veteran, Lou served honorably in the U.S. Army and received multiple military honors, including the Bronze Star, given for heroic wartime service, the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Lou's professional life was spent at VEPCO, later Dominion Virginia Power, where he served for 30 years in various roles, including Commercial Metering, then Instructor at the Commercial Operations Training Center, and finally, as a Supervisor of Building Maintenance before retiring in 2000. He moved to Norfolk in 2020.

Lou was first and foremost a devoted husband and father and a friend to all who crossed his path. A true "Good Samaritan," he was always willing to lend a helping hand, give of his time, and make a positive impact on the lives of others in whatever way he could. For many years, he participated in the Chesterfield Public Schools Reading Buddy Program, spending many hours reading with children and providing mentorship to students in need. He served as an Assistant Cubmaster for Boy Scouts of America, and as a Little League baseball and football coach, and concession manager. An avid outdoorsman, Lou loved to hunt and fish, and in later years was a dedicated fan of geocaching; he and Mary would venture far and wide to find small treasures in unique places. Lou's love of adventure was surpassed only by his love of family, friends, and his "granddogs," Bear and Faith.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Sentara Leigh Hospital and at the Veterans Affairs Hospital who cared for Lou throughout his illnesses. A memorial service at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., with visitation to follow from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the family. A private burial will be held at a later date at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to Lou's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.