Mr. Willie "Rut" Rutledge

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12‬ JOHNSON CITY – Willie "Rut" Lee Rutledge, 68, of 1407 Colony Park Drive, peacefully passed away in Mountain Home VA Hospice Care Center on November 12, 2015 following a brief illness. Willie, the 9th of 13 children, was born on June 19, 1947 in the Boones Creek Community to the Late James Paul and Kathleen Gay Rutledge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 siblings, James S. and Donald A. Rutledge, Phyllis Rutledge Thompson, 2 newborn brothers, and beloved daughter, Natasha Danielle Rutledge. He was a member of the last graduating class of Langston High School which closed in 1965. While attending school, he was active in athletics and excelled as a football and basketball player. Following graduation he joined the US Air Force and continued his service to his country. Upon his honorable discharge, he earned the rank of Master Sergeant as a member of the Air Reserve Corps. Willie settled in Peoria, Illinois where he was employed by Caterpillar for 28 1/2 years. Having never lost his love for East Tennessee, he returned to Johnson City in 2000 and actively pursued his hobbies of fishing, gardening, and cooking. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Johnson City, Tennessee since childhood. His mission become the veterans at the Mountain Home VA Center and over the years a ministry developed with those in AA where he led Bible Studies and other outreach programs. His involvement there required him to literally go into the streets of the community in order to minister to those in need. He humbly and diligently followed this “call upon his life” until his death. Those left to cherish his memory include: 2 sons, Marcus Rutledge, Peoria, Illinois, and Sean D. Rutledge, Johnson City; 2 brothers, Cecil E. Rutledge (Clara Faye) and Paul L. Rutledge, Johnson City; 5 sisters, Peggy Rutledge Warlix (Charles), Springfield Gardens, NY; Georgia Rutledge Thomas, Washington, DC; Carolyn Rutledge Knaff-Yett, Johnson City; Vanessa Rutledge Babb, Jonesborough; Deborah Rutledge Smith (Bernard), Charlotte, NC. Several Aunts Grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Those who desire may visit with the family on Monday, November 16, 2015 between 11:30 and 12:30 pm at Birchette Mortuary. Graveside Services will be held at the Mountain Home National Cemetery at 1:00pm. Professional Services Provided by Birchette Mortuary Inc. 219 E. Millard St. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com.

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Mr. Willie "Rut" Rutledge

June 19, 1947 - November 12, 2015