Before dawn breaks over the Blue Ridge, he’s already wading into the icy, rushing waters of Jonathan Creek. With calloused hands and quiet focus, the Western North Carolina angler reads the currents, casting flawless lines for big brown trout. It’s grueling work against the biting cold, but the sound of the mountain stream is his reward.

Thomas A. "Hank" Ruff was born on May 27, 1940, to Lonnie and Edna Ruff. The second of three children, he watched his father go off to fight in World War II. As he grew up, he learned to love God, family, and country. Fishing became a part of his life at an early age; his grandfather Jess V. Ruff and his father, Lonnie, taught him the basics. As he reached adulthood, he fished with the same work ethic he applied throughout his life. It wasn't long before photos of his impressive brown trout were being published in The Mountaineer.

In the early years of his 56-year marriage to the love of his life, Lula "Leah" Brock Ruff, they would go fishing together. Leah stepped away from the stream after their first child, Thomas "T.C." Ruff, was born. They would later welcome two more children: Susan Ruff Reagan and James S. Ruff. Hank's fishing adventures were legendary throughout Haywood County, eventually earning him a featured spot on the "Haywood County Legends" Facebook page. Hank was also a proud grandfather to Elizabeth and Cameron Ruff.

Hank left us and headed to the creekbank in heaven while at his home on June 20, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Edna; his loving wife, Leah; his older sister, Rachel Paris; and his brother, Robert Ruff.

He will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all those who listened to his many fish tales or shared a day on the creek bank with Ol' Hank. Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville has been entrusted with Hank's care. He was a hard worker, a wonderful father, a generous man, and a trout fisherman whose stories will be told for many years to come.

Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. A Funeral Service honoring Hank's life will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC. Interment will immediately follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesville.  The family invites family and friends to Full Gospel Holiness Church for a luncheon following burial, 5801 Old Clyde Road.  

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Hank’s honor to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10001. 

The care of Mr. Ruff has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville