Jerry Rutledge, 84, of Ripley, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love, faith, and hard work.
Services celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at New Life Pentecostal Church in Ripley, with Bro. Bobby Goode officiating. Visitation will be held at New Life Pentecostal Church from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour. Burial will follow in Ripley City Cemetery.
Born on September 4, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, Jerry was the son of the late John Monroe and Lima Glass Rutledge. He was a mechanic by trade, but to those who knew him best, he was much more than that. Jerry had an incredible gift for figuring things out. Self-taught and naturally talented, there wasn’t much he couldn’t repair with a little time, determination, and the hands God gave him. He believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and never shied away from lending a helping hand to someone in need.
His greatest foundation in life was his faith. Jerry dearly loved the Lord and faithfully attended New Life Pentecostal Church. His church family meant so much to him, and he found joy and strength in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside those he loved.
While Jerry enjoyed working with his hands, his heart belonged to his family. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet love was shown more through his actions than his words. In 2013, he married the love of his life, Dorothy, and together they shared a beautiful chapter filled with love, companionship, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Jerry also knew how to enjoy life’s simple blessings. He never turned down a good plate of catfish, could often be found enjoying a game of pool, and treasured the moments spent laughing and making memories with family and friends. Those simple joys became some of the moments his loved ones will hold closest in their hearts.
Those left to carry on his memory include his devoted wife, Dorothy Rutledge; his sons, Kenneth Ray Rutledge (Lauri) of Walnut and David Rutledge (Tonya) of Mobile, Alabama; his sisters, Wynette Wright, Donna Davidson, and Lucy Divinely; his brother, Henry Rutledge; three cherished grandchildren; five precious great-grandchildren; and many extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are David Rutledge, Kenneth Rutledge, John Roberts, Randall Hancock, David Hancock, and Billy Burns.
Jerry was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and his beloved daughter, Monita Rutledge, who preceded him in death.
Although his family grieves the loss of someone so deeply loved, they find comfort in knowing Jerry’s faith became sight. His life was one of quiet strength, steadfast love, and unwavering faith. The lessons he taught, the kindness he shared, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to call him husband, daddy, brother, Papaw, and friend.
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rutledge family and invites friends and loved ones to share their memories and condolences as they celebrate Jerry’s well-lived life.
