Brookland-Cayce High School EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME
MR. VASSEY BURNELL RUFF Inducted 2009
Vassey Burnell Ruff, the eighth of nine children, was born on July 22, 1917, in Saluda County to Ashton and Daisy Smith Ruff. Ashton Ruff was a farmer in those days, but a plague wiped out the family farm, forcing them to move to Newberry when Vassey was just six years old. In Newberry, Mr. Ruff supported his family by working in a textile mill. For much of his formative years, Vassey was defined by mill life in which hard work and a blue collar ethos governed day-to-day existence. In fact, it actually took him five years to graduate from Newberry High School, because his parents needed him to also work and help support the family. Even though it took a little longer than normal, Vassey did graduate in1936, after which he went straight to work at a cotton mill. In 1942, however, Vassey was drafted into the Air Force as WWII raged. He was stationed in Canada for 3 1/2 years before being honorably discharged. Using the Gl Bill, Vassey enrolled in Newberry College, where he received a two-year certificate for bookkeeping and accounting, but his activities outside the classroom would eventually govern his future. Needing money while in college, Vassey worked as a cabinet maker and discovered he possessed a penchant for carpentry and woodworking. With a friend's encouragement and with new construction drying up work opportunities, Vassey decided to pursue a career as a teacher of carpentry. After earning the required certificates, he was hired in 1953 by Brookland-Cayce High School. Shortly thereafter, Vassey married the love of his life, Salley Harrelson, and the couple would have two children together (Sallie Rae and Chris Burnell). Vassey taught carpentry at B-C for seven years, including a one year stint as a driver's education instructor. In 1960, he was promoted to Lexington School District Two's Supervisor of Maintenance Services. Vassey served with distinction in this capacity until his retirement in 1980. Vassey was and continues to be active in the BCHS community. He attends Holland Avenue Baptist Church, where he has served as Deacon and Trustee. Vassey is also a member of the Lions Club and the Civitans, as well as the American Legion and the "Metallic Club," a senior citizen service group. As a carpentry teacher and maintenance supervisor, Vassey Burnell Ruff represents those who often work behind the scenes to ensure efficiency and smooth operations. Vassey did so for twenty plus years, and he did it in an exemplary fashion.

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