Wayne H. Ruth

July 26, 1935 - November 17, 2020

Wayne Howard Ruth, 85, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 19 at Florence Cemetery in Florence, Mississippi, with Rev. Van Windom officiating. Wayne was born July 26, 1935, to Mae Eve Turner Ruth and Albert Grover Ruth, Sr.in Calhoun County, Mississippi. He attended Friendship Baptist Church on the Craig Springs Road in Oktibbeha County. For 49 years Wayne or “Night Rider” as he was known, drove a truck cross-country on long hauls for various companies. After his retirement, he and his family moved to Winston County. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to enjoy the outdoors and various life skills that he felt important. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to anyone he met. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Lottie Jewel McDaniel Ruth of Sturgis, Mississippi. He is also survived by his children: Darrell W. Ruth and wife Janice of Ulm, Montana, Brenda R. Edwards and husband David of Louisville, Mississippi, David W. Ruth of Brandon, Mississippi, Wanda R. McFarland husband Marty of Florence, Mississippi, and Phillip W. Ruth of Sumiton, Alabama. One of his greatest joys was being “PaPaw” to his 12 grandchildren: Stephen (Katrin) Ruth, Janice (Dave) Stroup, Daniel (Hannah) Edwards, Blake (Tiffany) Edwards, Stephanie (Greg) Calvert, Danielle (Brandon) Kyles, Tiffany (Wesley) Campbell, Jubal (Kayla) McFarland, Molly McFarland, Caleb McFarland, Corey (Paula) Ruth, and Heather Ruth. He also leaves behind to mourn his passing 20 great-grandchildren; his brother Albert G. Ruth, Jr., and his sister Geneva R. Collins; as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by an infant great-granddaughter Emma Grace Ruth, his parents, four brothers: Leon, A. B., Leroy, and Lynn Ruth; and his sister Ada Guinn Pryor. Serving as pallbearers are David Ruth, Blake Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Jubal McFarland, Greg Calvert and Brandon Kyles. Honorary pallbearers are Wesley Campbell and Curtis “Country” Greenly. Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowell-masseyfuneralhome.com.