Hollis Durante Ruffin

Condolences are being expressed to the family of Mr. Hollis Ruffin, who passed away on Monday, January 9th, 2023, at his home.  The family is in the process of planning funeral arrangements for a final goodbye. PleHollis Durante Ruffin was born on February 20, 1960.  He was vibrant and full of life before he transitioned early Monday morning, January 9, 2023.
Hollis graduated Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC and then served our country in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. He was an honorably discharged Veteran. After being discharged, he worked various jobs, including but not limited to, Orange County School System, Orange County Public Works, Byrd’s Grocery Store, and more recently any odd job that the Brooks family would ask of him.
Hollis loved UNC Tarheels, Washington Redskins (now called Washington Commanders), and he could spend all day fishing: but if you were out with him and didn’t catch a fish, you had to be prepared to be the target of Hollis’ jokes and laughter. He would not hold back.
It is true that some people love to do things that they really aren’t gifted to do. Hollis on the other hand, loved to do certain things and he was actually gifted to do those very things. He loved to make people laugh and always did, he loved to sing, and Hollis could sing. His favorite was gospel music but couldn’t resist singing all the words to “ The Freaks Come Out At Night” by Whodini, “The Big Pay Back” by James Brown and “Before I Let Go “by Frankie Beverly and Maze.  He loved to dance, and could dance – Everyone agrees that Hollis stopped the show with his original dance moves at his church’s Anniversary All-White Party and anywhere else where music was playing.
Hollis loved his family, he loved helping others, and he especially loved the one whom he affectionally called “Mama”. If you disrespected his Mama, Hollis was not pleased, and he just might tell you off… under his breath…but he meant every word. He took God’s command “Honor Thy Mother” to heart.
Hollis gave his life to the Lord at an early age and re-confirmed his commitment to the Lord in recent years. He loved the Lord, often carried his bible in his front pocket, and prayed consistently. Like we all do, Hollis had his struggles, but one thing is certain, he loved to talk to God, he knew how to call on God,  and he loved to praise God. When you went to his home, you could expect to hear gospel music blasting to the streets.
Hollis was a member of, and served at, Grace Outreach Ministry even if it meant he had to wear a choir robe as an attempt to shield himself from COVID-19. During the pandemic, Hollis found himself a little burgundy robe and wore it proudly. This was his personal unique uniform, and he wore it well. He sang with the Voices of Grace and with the male choir – Pastor B and the Boyz. It was hard to match Hollis’ vocals and his energy. His excitement would set the church on fire as he sang, for example, You Keep On Blessing Me; It Must Have Been Jesus; My Whole Life Has Changed; Move Satan; Call Jesus; and Noah – Warning all of us to be ready when the Lord returns. 
Hollis’ infectious energy with his family, his friends, his church family and all who knew him is unparalleled and will leave a void that can only be filled with the help of the Lord.
Hollis was preceded in death by his Stepfather, Roy Tapp Jr., his Grandparents, George and Pauline Ruffin; as well as his uncles, George Ruffin Jr., Johnnie C. Ruffin, Leon Ruffin, James M. Ruffin, Bobby G. Ruffin, and Burley D. Ruffin.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother whom he adored - Hazel Lee Tapp ,Raymond Richmond, His Siblings, Michael Tapp, Teresa Diane Tapp, Sharin Murphy, and Jarrett Ellison; his Nephews – Ratino Tapp, LaQuentin Tapp (Idia), and DeAntrez Tapp; his Nieces – Kelly Tapp, Esha Parker, Shamiya Tapp, and Makayla Cintron; his Uncles – Willie Ruffin, JT Ruffin, Hurley Ruffin, Linwood Ruffin, Jeffrey Ruffin, and Fredrick Ruffin; his Aunts – Elvinia Ruffin, Patricia Ruffin as well as Mable Ruffin, Mary Ruffin, and Jennifer Ruffin, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends.

ase keep the Family in your thoughts & prayers during these days of bereavement. A Service of Love and Dignity provided by Hanes Funeral Home in Durham.

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