Billy Wayne Ruff, 35, died September 18, 2010 as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born November 12, 1974 to Robert Wayne and Nancy Shumpert Ruff in Fulton, MS. He was a 1993 graduate of Shannon High School and a member of the North Green Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, MS. He enlisted in the United States Army and served one tour in Haiti. Later enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard with the 1-198th Armor. He recently returned from his second tour in Iraq. Upon returning in March, he was promoted to Master Sergeant. He received several prestigious awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Mississippi War Medal. He is survived by his parents, Robert Wayne Ruff and Nancy Shumpert Ruff Watts; a son, Rashad Ruff, of the home; a daughter, Jaden Ruff, of Tupelo; a brother, Marc Whitfield, of West Point, MS; a sister, Brittany Ruff, of Tupelo; a niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Archie and Ophra Ruff and Willie B. and Annie Lee Shumpert; three uncles, Joe W. and Rev. Doyle Ruff and one aunt, Deloris Ruff Young.