Ruffin Norris Winstead, age 79, of Elm City, passed away October 24, 2016. Born in Nash County on December 21, 1936, he was the son of the late Henry Ruffin Winstead and Emily Joyner Winstead. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 48+ years, Joyce Reams Winstead; brother, Cecil Winstead; sisters, Virginia Bass, Edith Pate, Audrey Joyner, Ida Ruth Medlin, Olivia Flora, and Maxine Deans.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Boyd Winstead; sons, Tim Winstead and wife, Becky, of Sandy Cross, and Todd Winstead and wife, Bonnie, of Chesapeake, VA; brother, Dixie Lee Winstead; sister, Jenell Rose; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephew.

A funeral service will be held Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Oak View Baptist Church, 2412 Arlington Street, Rocky Mount with Rev. David Taylor and Rev. Bill Pike officiating. Visitation with the family will be at 1 p.m. prior the service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideons International, Rocky Mount Camp, PO Box 1851, Rocky Mount, NC 27802-1851.

Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount.