Jerry Wayne Rutherford, 54, formerly of Jackson, TN passed away on August 27, 2015. Jerry was born on September 8, 1960 to the late Betty Jean Rutherford.
He was a 1978 graduate of Jackson Central Merry High School. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Tennessee State University. In addition, he held two Masters Degrees: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Masters of Arts in Organizational Management (MAOM), both from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, TX. Jerry received the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Honors during both his undergraduate and graduate work. On December 8, 2012, he received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Affairs and Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, TX.
He defended his dissertation on November 1, 2012 on the topic of “What are the Effects of Tax Abatements and Government Incentives on Economic Development? A Study of Select Texas Cities”. Earlier in 2012, he was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society.
Jerry was formerly a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Jackson TN where he served as a Junior Deacon under the pastorate of the late Rev. Bobby Anderson. In Dallas, TX he united with The Potter’s House under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Jerry was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was initiated through Lambda Chi (Amarillo, TX) in 1986 and was a Past District Representative for the Ninth District. He resided in Duncanville, TX.
He is survived by his siblings, Ginnette Shelby (Des Moines, IA) Debra Rutherford, Johnny Rutherford, Jerome Rutherford, Brenda Golden, James Rutherford (all of Jackson, TN) and Linda (Edward) Parker (Memphis, TN).
Private family services will be conducted and Stephenson-Shaw is assisting the family with the arrangements.
