Barry Ruffin

Barry Lee Ruffin, 78, of Wilson, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Funeral, Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 PM at Wilson Memorial Service, followed by visitation.

Barry was former owner of Worrell’s Seafood. He fed and helped many homeless and people that couldn’t afford to pay.

Mr. Ruffin was a war hero. He served four years as a helicopter pilot in the US Marines during Vietnam flying 688 missions. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal; two Purple Hearts, Distinguished Flying Cross, Heroism Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Clusters. After the service, he flew for Air America for two years.

He is survived by his wife Twanesia Williams Ruffin who was his true love; daughter, Trina Burwell (Eddie); son, Lee Herndon (Dana); mother-in-law, Rose Williams; grandchildren, Sophia Lawrence, Douglass Herndon, Brittany Herndon, Jonathan Herndon, John Burwell and Phillip Burwell; loving dogs, Major and Reign; many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Carol Ruffin; parents, Herman Lee Ruffin and Elzie Renfrow Ruffin; and sister, Linda Ruffin.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to American Legion, 2331 US 301 S, Wilson, NC 27893 or to Hope Station, PO Box 2164, Wilson, NC 27894.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com