Obituary of Jimmy Allen Ruth

Jimmy Ruth, age 83, of Brighton, TN died Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Frances Hospital-Bartlett. Jimmy graduated from Chester County High School in 1956 as president of his class. After graduation he drove a truck for Jack Johnson and Continental Trailways Bus until his accident in 1963. He also drove for AM & M First Fleet, retiring in 2001. Jimmy worked for Motor Wheel Corporation in Lansing, MI, April 11, 1968 until June 30, 1986. While driving for Trailways, one of his greatest accomplishments was driving in 1961 a group of Freedom Riders from A & I (Fisk) University in Nashville, TN to Jackson, MS. His bus driving memorabilia is on display at the Tennessee State Museum. Jimmy was a member of Munford Church of Christ. He was always jolly, never met a stranger and had an amazing memory. Jimmy married Rosie Angel Ruth of Samburg on April 30, 1967. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Angel Ruth; and his parents, O.B. and Reba Mae Graves Ruth. He is survived by his children, Lela Mae DeBord of Brighton, TN, Joyce Amon of Lakeland, FL and Charlotte Ratliff of Fleming Island, FL; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; sister, Ossie Mae Beshires of Henderson, TN; brother, Bobby Eugene Ruth of Henderson, TN; sister-in-laws, Judy Ruth of Henderson, TN, Elsie Brock of Pikeville, TN and Arva Lee Fisher of Milton, FL; and brother-in-law, George Angel of Chattanooga, TN. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. CDT in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Blackburn Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. CDT.