Rufus Whitaker High, Jr., 88, left this earth on Thursday, October 8,2020, at his residence in Savoy, Texas, and now rests in eternal, pain-free peace with his God in Heaven.
R.W., as he was known, was born August 11, 1932 in Dallas, Texas to Rufus and Velma High. He graduated from Adamson High School and soon enlisted in the US Navy. After his discharge, he joined the Dallas Police Department in 1955 where he served for 21 years. Upon his retirement, he opened High’s Corner Feed Store in Duncanville, Texas, until he returned to law enforcement joining the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DSO) in January, 1980.
In 1988, while working at the Dallas Sheriff’s Office, he met a widow lady at the copy machine – he said he fell in love with her before he even knew her. She was Lenda Kennedy Hagins, who worked in the felony court system. That began a 32-year love story that most couples only dream about. R.W. retired from DSO in 1993 and began building them a home on Lenda’s farm in Savoy, Texas. They married in Galveston March 7,1997, she retired in June that same year, and they spent their retirement years enjoying the casinos, their golden retrievers and raising miniature donkeys.
R.W. is survived by his wife, Lenda, of Savoy; step-children Greg Rogers of McKinney, Texas; Deidra Morrow of Pine Knot, Kentucky; four step-grandchildren, Macey, Kirby, Trevor and Tiffani; two step-great-great-children, Raylynn and Maverick.
He was also a role-model and mentor who influenced several amazing “adopted” young men and women: Joe and Erika, Morgan and Damaris, Caleb, Tori, Kyle, and Nathanael. He loved them dearly and considered them all a part of his family as well.
At RW’s request, he will be cremated and no services will be held.
Lenda & Family,Rufus was one of the DPD Good Guys and one of Dallas Finest. It was a privilege to have know him, and worked with him at the DPD.May God bless his family and many,many friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May Godspeed and RIP my Brother in Blue. John R. Allen Retired DPD & Retired Alvarado PD
Lenda and Family, we are heartbroken for you all. R.W. was an amazing man. He lived life to the fullest. He had the best laugh. He was always giving and kind. He was a good, honest man and they don’t make them like that anymore. He could be stubborn, but never without a good reason.
Oh my, the memories we have together, we will never forget them, they are some of the BEST times of our lives. R.W will be missed by so many who loved him.
Love to you all,
Keith, Rhonda, Taylor and Logan Sturtevant
We send our condolences Lenda. We lost a true friend and an outstanding Officer. He was well liked by all. Fond memories of our good times together. May he RIP. Love, Jay Sims (Retired Dallas PD Officer) and Leigh Ann Sims
Rufus (BUB) was a great friend of mine, we worked together in patrol at SW & TRAFFIC. I have many fun memories with him. Love you Brother.
Linda , we are praying for you as you go through this time of grief.
I didn’t know Mr High personally but my exceptional Neice Tori Williams did. I got to know Mr High through her. She spoke so highly of him, because he was a kind, thoughtful, and caring individual. My Neice Tori is a better person because of Mr and Mrs High. Thank you for taking your precious time to spend with my neice Tori. I am so happy to see that this world still has wonderful people that give of themselves freely to help others like the High’s. My deepest sympathy to you Mrs. High. God bless you and your family and our thoughts and prayers will be with you! Raymond and Dori Arnott (Tori Williams aunt)