Kerney Eugene Rutland Jr. (1934-2015)
TAXI AND TAKE OFF
Our beloved Kerney Eugene Rutland was born on March 4, 1934 in Cherokee, Alabama to parents (Mr. and Mrs. Kerney and Lucinda Rutland).
Kerney was one of five children, one girl and four boys (Jessie, Nelson, Kerney, Warren, and Lester).
Those that knew Kerney as a child describe him as a happy boy who never met a stranger, stuttered at times, but also possessed a tireless energy and a unique ability to understand complex things with ease.
In June of 1951, at the age of 17, and with his parents’ permission, Kerney enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Ipswich, England where he became a member of the heralded 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron.
While stationed in England during the Korean War, Kerney was blessed with his first son Howard with birthmother Mary. Howard went on to follow in Kerney’s footsteps and also became a member of the United States Air Force.
After serving our country honorably and completing a decorated military service, Kerney returned to the United States to be closer with family in Columbus, Ohio.
With a deep love of flight and mechanics, Kerney fashioned, built, and flew his own airplane and became one of the first African American men in history to do so (3rd according to the Guinness Book of World Records) and featured in Ebony Magazine (June 1966). Kerney went on to become a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), an original member of Negro Airmen International (NAI), and many other pilot organizations where he mentored young people and inspired prominent pilots and mechanics while also working at and retiring from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and then going on to begin work at AutoZone in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Over the years, Kerney competed and won several flying and aeronautic competitions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Rockford, Illinois just to name a few. Kerney earned multiple pilot ratings and certifications and actually became the preferred private pilot of David Gilmour of the internationally known Rock & Roll group “Pink Floyd”.
As taught by the legendary flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen, (Charles Alfred “Chief” Anderson), Kerney utilized aviation as a way to educate, expose, and inspire people to overcome many obstacles. Many great aviators practice and believe that a person could overcome limitations on the ground once they were “taken-up” in flight. As a member of (NAI), Kerney’s promise to Chief Anderson and Colonel Bill Childs was to “keep them flying”.
While continuing his career with the EPA and flying out of Hogan Field near Cincinnati Kerney found the love of his life Susan, through a chance meeting of Joel (Susan’s young son at the time). When Joel introduced Kerney to Susan, the forces were once again put into motion that would propel Kerney into another great mission. Susan and Kerney married in 1992, and Kerney began being an outstanding husband to Susan and a wonderful Dad to Joel and Susan’s only daughter Sarah. Extraordinarily, Kerney’s commitment to family would grow his legacy even more when Gerome became Kerney’s son.
Throughout the years, Kerney maintained his commitment and deep love of Family, flying, and motorcycles. Though retired, he also shared great joy in his continued work with AutoZone.
RETURN LANDING
In 2000, Kerney and Susan moved from Cincinnati back to Alabama (Muscle Shoals) where Kerney continued to work at AutoZone in good health until recently.
Kerney truly enjoyed working he was loved and closely admired by his fellow co-workers. In fact, Kerney was recognized by AutoZone corporate as being the oldest employee in company history. Not too surprising for a “common” man who did a lot of “uncommon” things throughout his incredible time with us (coupled with a lot of laughter and jokes as the soundtrack and background music to the entire saga).
LIFT-OFF
On Friday, December 11, 2015, Kerney Eugene Rutland completed the earning of his second set of wings and passed peacefully at home while surrounded by loving Family.
Kerney was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Nelson and Warren, his sister Jessie, his son Howard and Howard’s mother Mary.
Kerney’s Family and legacy continues through his loving wife Susan, (ex-wife) Mary, (sons) Joel and Gerome, (daughter) Sarah, (grandchildren) Camren, Caiden, Brianna, and Jamal, an aunt, close cousins, beloved nieces and nephews, a host of very close friends, and the honorable men of the 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron.
THANK YOU
The Rutland Family offers sincere thanks and appreciation for you celebrating our Kerney and continuing his memory and flying legacy. Contributions in memory of Kerney may be made to the “Hogan Field Scholarship Fund”.
“Hogan Field Scholarship Fund” at the Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 North Third Street, Hamilton, OH 45011. (513) 863-1717 www.hamiltonfoundation.org
Visitation with the family will be held 5-7:00, Wednesday, December 16, 2015.
Funeral service for Mr. Rutland will be:
12:00 Noon ~ Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thompson and Son Funeral Home Chapel, Tuscumbia, AL
Bro. Thomas Holiday, officiating
Burial in Newsome Cemetery, Cherokee, AL
Public viewing will be Wednesday, 9:00am – 8:00pm.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, directing
