Joseph Lee Ruffin  of Chesapeake, Virginia departed this life on June 15, 2008.  Born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, he was the oldest, beloved son of the late George and Minnie Lee Pender Ruffin.  He was predeceased by three brothers, George Ruffin, Daniel Ruffin and John Ruffin.  Joseph was born August 13, 1939.  He was 68.Joseph attended Edgecombe County Public Schools and graduated from Conetoe High School, Conetoe, North Carolina.    Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17.  He attained the rank of Chief within his first 10 years of active duty.  He retired in 1985 after 27½ years of dedicated service to his country.  Following his retirement from service, he worked in California for 14 years in various capacities.  He relocated to the Hampton Roads area in 1999 to be closer to his family.  Joseph briefly worked at the Algonquin House in Norfolk, Virginia as a security guard until failing health prevented him from doing so.Joseph was a member of the Frederick K. C. Price Crenshaw Christian Center, Los Angeles , California.  Joseph is survived by his son, Carlton Ruffin (Susan) of Hesperia, California; his daughter, Lynne Ruffin of Norfolk, Virginia; the mother of his children, Maxine Cowan Ruffin of Norfolk, Virginia; two stepsons, Keith Ruffin of Chesapeake, Virginia and Ray Ruffin of Norfolk, Virginia; two brothers, William A. Ruffin (LaTonya) of Chesapeake; Milton E. Ruffin of Norfolk, Virginia; six sisters, Mary Ruffin Wyatt Richards (Leon) of Portsmouth; Minnie Ruth Ruffin of Atlanta, Georgia; Elizabeth Ruffin Miller (Marty) of Norfolk, Virginia; Elnora Ruffin Griffin of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Carolyn Ruffin Wood (Curtis) of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Dorothy Ruffin Moss (Leon) of Conyers, Georgia; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The family wants to give particular recognition and thanks to his sister, Mary R.  Richards, his sister Carolyn F. Wood, his brother William A. Ruffin,  his special niece Madeline Y. Evans and his three devoted friends, Arthur Kelly, Charles Martin and Willie Mae Bethea.  Thanks for the special attention and care you gave to Joseph during his time of need. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at First Baptist Church, Berkley, 706 E. Berkley Avenue, Norfolk. Interment will follow at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6pm – 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.