Obituary for Website

Rufus "Ruru" Walton Jr, was born to Rufus L. and Cynthia A. Walton Sr. on March 2, 1994.  He spent the first three years of his primary education at Michael J. Castori Elementary located at 1801 South Avenue Sacramento California before moving to D. W. Babcock Elementary School during his third-grade year. One of his teacher's, Ms. Findley said, 'he was her first student to start kindergarten knowing all of the alphabets she shared this with his parents during a parent-teacher conference. Another teacher, Ms. Draper said, "he was simply a pleasure to have in class; he made up games that all of the children loved to play".

His academic achievements blossomed as he attended elementary school. Rufus received various awards for academic excellence, citizenship, and perfect attendance. One time his mother kept him out of school for one day. During his return to school, his mother told the teacher that he was out sick. Rufus told the teacher, "I was not sick". His mother later asked him why did he tell the teacher that he was not sick, and he replied, "grandmother told me never to lie".

Rufus attended Smythe Academy Middle where he achieved academic excellence. As a young boy, he loved to play Nintendo games which he mastered at the age of four. He would later show others his prowess with these games by beating all who played him.

Rufus was an excellent scholar in school. He graduated with top honors from Grant Union High School in May 2012. His love for education was evident when he received a perfect attendance certificate for never missing a day of school during his time in high school. While most students were trying to find ways to stay out of class, Rufus looked forward to school, and focused on what mattered most, his education.

In school, he was known for his gentle, caring and kind nature. He loved taking pictures and videos. One of his greatest joys was serving on the yearbook committee during his senior year. He was selected as Prince of the Prom at his high school homecoming. He attended American River College in Auburn until his grant money ran out.

During his downtime, you might find him enjoying the great outdoors. He was avid fisherman. It did not matter what the activity was, hunting, camping, water sports, or playing with his dog Bruce, if it involved being outside, he loved it!

Rufus was baptized at an early age under the leadership of his former Pastor/Grandmother Elect Lady Mary A. Walton. He later served as a deacon in training at New Bethel House of God under the leadership of his Aunt Pastor Alma Walton-Hawkins. Rufus also served on the Foreign Mission Department at the church as well as the church photographer and videographer. As a Young Man at the church, Ruru could be found doing whatever task he was needed to do. He was dedicated both to the church and his family.

Rufus L. Walton Jr., is survived by his parents, Rufus Sr. and Cynthia Walton; brother, Myron Walton, sister, Tiffany Walton, niece Nevaeh Walton, Aunt and Pastor, Evangelist Alma Walton-Hawkins, Aunt Carlis "Cookie" Garcia, uncle, Butch Walton, uncle David Walton, uncle Maurice Walton, uncle, Michael Walton, aunt Reese Bell, aunt Debbie Cottrell, aunt Rebecca Phillips, aunt Pamela Barrows, aunt, Charlene Davis, uncle, Jeff Cottrell and his church family. A host of cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.