Rev. John Mathias Rufty

Rev. John Rufty, age 80, of Franklinville died Monday, April 28, 2014 at his home. John was born January 14, 1934 to Frank and Beulah Rufty. He was a retired Methodist minister who served 45 years in the Methodist church. He served churches in Stanfield, Oak Ridge, Thomasville, Franklinville, Bessemer City, Highlands, Troutman and Winston Salem. He received his calling to become a minister while attending a Billy Graham meeting while in high school. John attended High Point University and furthered his studies at Emory University. John was faithful to preach God`s word and always gave an altar call at the end of each service. He felt it was important to share with others what God meant to him - and wanted others to know how they could get to know God, too. John was of the 'old school`, believing he should visit those in the hospital, sick at home or anyone having a need. He was never too busy or too tired to spend time with and get to know those in his church. He loved the elderly and many times stopped by just to visit because he knew they were lonely. When it came to family, John always put them first. It was evident in everything he did. He is described by his family as a quiet and loving man who was committed and devoted to them. Many vacations and special times were interrupted by others in need, but John never missed his children`s ballgames, music recitals or other important events if he could help it. With retirement in sight, John and his wife, Doris, purchased a home in Franklinville. Shortly after retiring, John suffered a stroke which paralyzed his left arm, weakened his left leg and greatly decreased his mobility for 15 years. His passion for drawing, carving and many other things he loved to do was interrupted. He never complained or asked 'why me?` and was content just to be at home. His faith in God was never altered. He loved Jesus with all his heart. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Franklin G. Rufty, Jr. and sister, Evelyn Hammett. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris Brigman Rufty; daughter, Arey Rash and husband Dennis of Asheboro; sons, Mark Rufty and wife Lyn of Franklinville, Michael Rufty and wife Donna of Statesville; grandchildren, Joseph Pugh and wife Alyssa of Asheboro, Amanda Phillips and husband Brandon of Stony Point, Ashleigh Rufty of Statesville; sisters, Edith Nance of Badin Lake, Grace Osborne of Kannapolis. John is also survived by a special 'granddog`, Asa. The family will receive friends Friday, May 2, 2014 from 1:30 - 2:45 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm in the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Tim Pheagin, Rev. Burton King officiating. Memorials may be made to Samaritan`s Purse International, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.