ITTA BENA, Miss. – Mississippi Valley State University's Charles Cleveland Ruth, a former track and field and football coach, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2018. He was 73.

Ruth served, "The Valley," for 24-years, in several capacities, including head track and field/cross-country coach and as an assistant football coach.

He spent 12-years as the defensive backs coach for the Delta Devils prior to taking over the track and field/cross country program in 2002.

Ruth, who was named All-SWAC track and field five times while at Alcorn from 1963-67, led the Delta Devils to the SWAC men's cross-country title in 2010 and his team had the nation's highest GPA in 2011. The Delta Devils men's track and field team was also a consistent winner of the SWAC highest GPA in the respective sport. Ruth was named SWAC Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2010.

Viewing is slated for December 29 at 9:00 am – 10:00 am at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi; with the funeral services for Ruth are scheduled to begin at 10:00 am. Interment is scheduled for Unity Spring Baptist Church Cemetery, located at Unity Springs Church Road, Preston/Dekalb, MS 39354.

King's Funeral Home located at 1511 W. California Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana 71270 will be receiving flowers on behalf of the family on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Friday, December 29, flowers can be delivered to Cedar Drove Baptist Church (3300 Grange Hall Rd. Vicksburg, MS 39180 – 601-677-3709) from 9:00 am – 10:00 am.