J. Delleney Ruff, Jr., known to friends as "Laney", 77, of Columbia, died Friday, October 5, 2018. A native of Columbia, Laney graduated from Dreher High School in 1959, where he was class president, and the University of South Carolina in 1964, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and a first baseman on the Gamecock baseball team. He was a lifelong member of Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia. He worked for many years in the banking industry, and then in the securities brokerage industry, retiring from Scott & Stringfellow in 2001. He served on the boards of several organizations, including Easter Seals and as President of the USC Association of Lettermen. For many years he coached in the Palmetto Baseball League. Laney and his wife Melinda enjoyed traveling extensively together. One of his life's highlights was being in Omaha for the two baseball national championships of his beloved Gamecocks in 2010 and 2011. Laney was loved by his many friends and family members. He was a true gentleman, never speaking negatively of anyone else, and always kind, positive, and generous to all. Laney is survived by his wife of 54 years, Melinda; sons, Harley (Carol) of Beaufort and Andrew "Andy" of Columbia; grandchildren, Clayton, Graham, and Mary, all of Beaufort; his sisters, Sally (Jim) Wiseman and Mary (George) Ross, both of Columbia; his brother-in-law, Colin (Anita) Harley of Kiawah Island; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he adored. A celebration of Laney's life will be held at 2pm, on Tuesday, October 9th, at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St., Columbia with Reverend Smoke Kanipe officiating. The family will receive friends in Player Hall at the church following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to USC Association of Lettermen (attn. Shelley Leavitt), 1304 Heyward St., Columbia, SC 29208 or to Shandon United Methodist Church Choir Fund, 3407 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205.