Rufus Selph, Jr.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Rufus Selph, Jr. of Cromwell CT on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the age of 75 years.

Rufus Selph, Jr was born on November 5, 1946 in Hemingway, SC to the late Rufus Self Sr. and Irene Blow. He was a 1964 graduate of Chavis High school and joined Jerusalem AME Church at an early age.

Rufus was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the army for a few years before receiving an honorable discharge.  In 2012, he was recognized by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his dedicated service and sacrifice in the armed forces during the Vietnam War. 

While living in Connecticut he established his career of over 40 years and retired as a Lead Man with Pratt and Whitney United Technologies. He was married for 25 years to his former wife Roxanne Aaron and through this union they raised three children, Tara, Rick and Chad.  His love for his children was undeniable and his humor, charisma, and tell it like it is demeanor will be cherished for years to come. 

Rufus was an avid fisherman who loved to take his boat out on the water. His love for bowling was apparent as he won many league tournaments throughout the years. His loyalty to his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and NY Mets was without argument and his passion for the casino brought him an abundance of joy. His southern roots allowed him to be an amazing cook and he most recently developed the love of watching cooking shows online. Rufus’s ultimate joy, however, was his family, especially his children and granddaughter. He was an amazing provider, a dedicated, loving, and supportive father, brother, “unk”, cousin and Papa and he will be missed immensely. 

Along with his parents, Rufus was predeceased by his beloved brothers, Willie J. Blow, Samuel Self and Rubart Self. 

Left to cherish his memories include his two sisters whom he adored dearly, Annie Ruth Anderson of Hemingway SC and Mable Sowell of Orangeburg, SC; daughter Tara Ayers (Mtume) of Wake Forest NC, two sons, Rick Selph of Cromwell, CT  and Chad Selph of Harlem NY; granddaughter, Hannah Simone Ayers, of Wake Forest, NC; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11:30 am at the  Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. Burial will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  Family and friends may call from 10:30 to 11:30am before the service at the funeral home.  The family is requiring masks for all indoor services. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Legion Post #206, P.O. Box 399, Middletown CT 06457.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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