William Roy Boruff, known by many in the Upper Cumberland as Bill, 81, of Sparta, passed away Oct. 17, 2025, at Saint Thomas Rutherford, in Murfreesboro.
Bill was born Feb. 1, 1944, in Sweetwater, to Robert Lee Boruff Sr. and Nora Raby Boruff.
Following his service in the United States Navy, Bill held a job managing a crew installing gas lines. One of those job sites was in Sparta where he had a chance encounter with White County native Barbara Jo Carter that changed his life. That encounter led to a 59-year marriage for the two of them and a new career for Bill. He started selling cars on his father-in-law’s lot which ultimately resulted in the founding of Bill Boruff Automotive. Bill’s successful career in the automotive industry lasted for over 55 years. In addition, Bill loved the outdoors, gardening, and watering flowers. In fact, his dealership and home were always adorned with flowers. Bill enjoyed the peace that he found while watering flowers, often using that time to reflect on his business and brainstorm ways to improve it. He had a passion for quietly helping those in need in the community. Bill was a proud member and faithfully attended Bear Cove Baptist Church, the same church in which he was married and saved. Bill will be fondly remembered as a solid Christian man of the community.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richmond Boruff; brother, Bobby Boruff; and sister, Betty Helton.
Surviving family members include his wife of 59 years, Barbara Boruff; grandchildren, River Boruff, Ocean Edwards, Jenna Herring, Christopher Boruff; half-sister, Jean Potter; sister-in-law, Donna “Wasper” Lee and husband Jeff; nephews, Rodney Boruff and wife Missy, Johnathan Demps and wife Jerrica; great niece, Blaine Starnes and husband Caleb; great-nephew, Gavin Boruff and wife Sierra, Jarrett Lake Demps, Jay Creek Demps; and great-great-nephew, Oliver Starnes.
Funeral service was 6 p.m. Oct. 20, 2025, at Bear Cove Baptist Church. Graveside service was 2 p.m., Oct. 21, at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Frank Derrick and Doug Benningfield officiated.
Billy Gilbert, Rodney Boruff, Jeff Lee, J.R. Demps, James Wilmoth, and Larry Frasier served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Callis, Gary McDonald, Billy Lee, Robert Hawkins, Jarrett Lake Demps, James Dodson, and Gavin Boruff
Memorials may be made to Bear Cove Baptist Church.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
