Honoring Judge Ruffin

Last week's event honoring Georgia Court of Appeals Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. produced a gathering of legal firepower unprecedented in this county. At the unveiling of his official portrait in the Burke County Courthouse and a luncheon in his honor at the office park, judges from the local, state and federal level, attorneys, sheriffs and elected officials gathered to honor the Waynesboro native. They were joined by a number of local citizens who have known Judge Ruffin since his early years here.

It was a memorable event and one well deserved by the honoree. John H. "Jack" Ruffin was born in Waynesboro, practiced law in Augusta and rose to the highest levels of the state judiciary. Last week he was remembered by speaker after speaker as a champion in the fight for civil rights, as a learned and accomplished lawyer and a fair and effective judge. His legal career has spanned almost half a century and every step of the way Judge Ruffin has brought honor to himself and his profession.

Last week this community brought honor on itself with a fitting tribute to a deserving public servant. We commend all those who played a role in planning and carrying out the event. We single out State Court Judge Jerry Daniel, who initially conceived of the idea and saw it through to fruition. We don't know everyone who was involved, but they all deserve recognition for a job well done.