Smithfield – T. Ruffin Johnson Jr., age 89, passed away Saturday December 30, 2023. Ruffin was born April 6, 1934 in Smithfield, NC and was the son of the late Theron Ruffin Johnson Sr. and Susie Cannon Johnson. He is preceded in death by a sister, Susan Johnson Parrish.

Ruffin graduated Smithfield High School in 1952 and received his BS degree at Wake Forest College in 1956, where he was inducted in the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership fraternity and the Kappa Sigma social fraternity. A member of ROTC Class of 1956, Ruffin was commissioned an officer in the US Army after his graduation and remained a reservist for 8 years.

Following his army service, he returned home to Smithfield working with Brightleaf & Burley Tobacco Company. Ruffin began his life insurance career with Security Life Insurance Company and has been operating his insurance agency since July 1, 1960. He was a member of Million Dollar Round Table since 1967.

Ruffin was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He was also a member of the Smithfield Jaycees, on the Johnston Community College Foundation Board of Trustees, Smithfield Selma Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Smithfield Downtown Development, NCQHA, NRHA, SERHA of NC.

Ruffin was a dedicated quail hunter, reining horse competitor, fisherman and coffee drinker with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Connie Lassetter Johnson; son, Kevin Hunter Johnson; daughter Julie Johnson Hopkins, and husband Chuck; grandchildren, Tori Elisabeth Johnson, Jacob Theron Hopkins, Bodie Cannon Hopkins.; first cousin Elinor Wallace Starling; many other cousins; multiple nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at Centenary United Methodist Church on Thursday January 4, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will follow the visitation on Thursday at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow the service in Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield.