Ruffin was born Davis Eli Ruffin in the rural unincorporated community of Whynot, Mississippi, the son of Eli, a Baptist minister, and Ophelia Ruffin ("née" Davis).
Ruffin was born Davis Eli Ruffin in the rural unincorporated community of Whynot, Mississippi, fifteen mils from Meridian, Mississippi. He was the son of Eli, a Baptist minister, and Ophelia Ruffin ("née" Davis).