Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan He was just home from a British tour with ex-Temptations Eddie Kendricks and Dennis Edwards, and friends said he was carrying proceeds from the tour of somewhere between $10,000 and $40,000. On June 1, 1991 after a whole evening of drinking in a Philadelphia bar, Ruffin purchased several vials of crack cocaine at 2:00 a.m., by 2:25 a.m., the cocaine was gone and Ruffin was unconcscious. David's final performance in a crack house had lasted 25 minutes, and there would be no encore. Twenty-five minutes later, he was dumped from a loaned limousine at the emergency room of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, the driver told hospital staffers that Ruffin had overdosed, then quickly left. By 4:00 a.m., fifty-five minutes after he was admitted, the 50-year-old former motown star, who once rolled up to concerts in a mink-lined limo apart form the rest of his group, was, dead, with $53 in his pockets. It was only when the FBI did a fingerprint check that the singer was positively identified. His death was ruled accidental, due to an adverse reaction to cocaine and other drugs. Ruffin had been in and out of rehabilitation centers since 1967, and in 1987 was sent to jail because of a drug-related parole violation. David Ruffin died a lonely and ravaged man, seemingly bent on self destruction. He will be remembered as the mightiest of the Temptations' lead singers. His was one of the voices that made the Temptations, and his legacy will live on in the depths of our hearts. Ruffin's funeral was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 1991, amidst huge crowds of mourners at New Bethel Baptist Church, during which members of The Temptations sung "My Girl" en masse. Following the services, David was laid to rest at Woodlawn cemetary in Detroit. imusic Ruffin Brothers Message Board A Beautiful Birthday Message From "Say You" David Ruffin (by RuffinReddie)
Epitaph: One of the worlds greatest entertainers. His lyrics and singing touched the hearts of many. Memories cherished by Cheryl, Nedra, Kimberly, David Junior and Grandchildren.
