Robert “Bob” L. Rutherford, Sr., of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the age of 86 at his home surrounded by his family. His visitation will be Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Phillip Wright officiating. He will be buried in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Bob was a native of Millington, Tennessee and a veteran serving in the Navy during the Korean War, later retiring from the Army. He worked as a pipefitter through Local 760 and retired from TVA. Bob was a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church and a song director at Spring Valley Baptist Church and Hampton Heights Baptist Church. He lead revivals at many Baptist churches and sang at numerous weddings. He was a member of the Washington Masonic Lodge No. 36, a volunteer at Helen Keller Hospital and was active with the Meals on Wheels program. Bob loved socializing with the “Whoop’em Up Bunch.” He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and a member of the NRA. Everyone that met him said he was the sweetest and kindest man they ever met. He was well loved and will be remembered for his great smile and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Jane Rutherford “Mrs. R,” whom he missed tremendously; son, Jon Marc Rutherford; daughter, Cindy Chandler; mother, Evelyne Gullett; father, Homer Rutherford; stepfather, Roy Gullett, Sr; and brother, Roy Gullett, Jr.
Bob is survived by his sons, Robby Rutherford (Tina) and Drew Rutherford (Tabatha); daughter, Amy Rutherford (Kurt); sisters, Janice Sandlin and Jane Weamer; grandchildren, Danny O’Malley, Brooke Brewer, Jordain Rutherford, McKenzie Rutherford, Trey Rutherford, Christopher Richwine, Justin Richwine, Anthony Rutherford and Brandon Rutherford; and seven great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Trey Rutherford, Brent Wear, Myron Lackey, Dock Anderson, Lane Roland and Sammy Richardson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Creel, Chesley Malone, Buddy Gargis, James “Oop” Harris, Tim Wadkins, Larry Pounders, Donald Ford, Curtis Campbell, Claude Berry, Ron Hardwick and the Highland Park Baptist Sunday School Class.
The family expresses special thanks to his loving caregivers, Phelesia Clemmons, Annette Weaver and Amedisys Home Health and Hospice.
