Russell Wade Rutledge, age 63 of 1431 Town Creek Road, Eden passed away suddenly Tuesday morning October 18, 2011. Funeral service will be held 2 pm Friday at First Wesleyan Church on Church Street in Eden, with burial to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. Russell was born April 16, 1948 in Rockingham County to the late Andrew M. and Lillie Barham Rutledge. He grew up in the First Wesleyan Church and attended the Dan River Wesleyan Church. Russell was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1971 - 73'. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and member of Twin Rivers Bass Masters. Softball games were his favorite sport and he was the #1 fan at the local Women's League games. Russell worked for Spray Cotton Mills until they closed and more recently worked for Alan's Service Center. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson; Fletcher and sister Linda Gilley. Surviving are wife; Norma Hall Rutledge of the home, daughter; Angela Haynes and husband John of Eden, brother; Frank Rutledge and wife Doris of Amherst, Virginia, sisters; Maxine Hudson, Jean Carter, Elaine James, Carolyn Roberson and husband Junior, Dixie Edwards and husband Tom all of Eden and Gail Powell and husband Don of Reidsville, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends Steven and Joan Strutton, Jerry Holland and the morning "McDonald's Gang". Family will receive friends from 7-9 pm on Thursday at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the home. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Wesleyan Church or Dan River Wesleyan Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
The entire Rutledge Family, My heart is broken. I know that Russell is in heaven with our Lord .He was my brother and friend also.Our family has always been your family also. May God Bless each one of you and keep you focused on Him.I know that you are hurting now but God is there for you. I pray He will just keep His loving arms around each of you.You are in my prayers. I love each of you.
Muriel B. Caldwell
I am like many today to learn of our beloved friend. He was probably one of the funniest, wittiest, sincere persons that I ever met. I send each of you my love and condolences during this time and prayers that God will sustain you during this loss. Even though it is your loss, it is God's gain in heaven for now he is in the promised land. Amen
Tommy Griffin
So sorry for your loss. He was a very good man who loved his family and enjoyed life. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Pete, Sheila, & Ty.
Sheila Simpson
Angie,I am so sorry to hear the news about your loss of your dad.Mr. Rutledge was a very sweet and funny man.Many memories that I recall of him were at the softball field and he was the #1 fan there.I know that he will be greatly missed.I am praying that God will give you the peace and comfort that you need during your time of loss.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Shea Fowlkes Walker
Shea Fowlkes Walker
You all will be in our thoughts as prayers. We loved Russell dearly as I know you did. He will truly be missed but our loss is Heavens gain and just imagine the celebration going on there at his "Homecoming". He was a wonderful man and always had a smile to share. Love and Prayers
Bill, Lisa and Jarred Earles
Just talked to Russell & Norma last week at Dick's Drive-In at supper time. He was his usual self...always carrying on something crazy...That's why everyone loved him! His friends will truly miss him. Our prayers to his family, Pam & Larry
Pam & Larry Kendrick
DEEPEST SYMPATHY
SWEET TALBOTT
I've only gotten to have the privelige of knowing Russell the past three years through the Will of the People. He was a warm, caring person with a great sense of humor. He was also very concerned about the citizens of Rockingham County and a faithful member of Will of the People. All of us will miss him very much. We are praying for his family and friends.
Dot Bush
Angie, thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May God's peace surround you.
Stephanie Roberson
Norma & Angie, Everyone always thought a lot of Russell - This world will not be the same without him !!! Praying for you both.
Phyllis Brown
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I always enjoyed seeing your dad, he was such a nice and funny person.
margie stevens finney
Norma and Angie, The ball park will never be same again with the loss of Russell's personality and humor. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry Vernon
Norma and Angie, Sorry to hear the bad news Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you thru this hard time. I will surely miss him at the ball games He would always speak to me and call me McBride From the Eden Parks & rec. Staff Tank, Moe, George, Terry Johnny, Paul,and Patricia
Tank
Norma & Angie, We are lifting you up in our prayers and praying God will comfort you during this difficult time. trully, Frank & April Hopkins
April Newsome Hopkins
Norma and all family, so very saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you for comfort and strength during this time. God is with you during this time, I know it will be such an adjustment Russell was always so full of life and he was given such a special personality in that everyone loved him.Love you'll and God Bless you'll
Susan Griffin Vernon/ DRS Medical
What a sad loss! I can't remember ever playing ball without Russell being at the park. He was a such a presence; and I am a better person having had the chance to know him. Norma and Angie, you are in my thoughts and prayers. While we are broken-hearted, a new inning has begun in Heaven!
Terri Martin
Norma and Angie,I just found out abot Russell.I am very sorry for your loss.I know Russell is in heaven with the rest of his family. Russell was a wonderful cousin and friend to me.He would always come up and put his arm around me for a friendly hug.I am going to miss my friend and his jokes.Take care and have peace in knowing that he is in heaven and at peace.Love you,Diane Rutledge Haynes
Diane Rutledge Haynes
The Rutledge Family. God gave us kids at First Wesleyan Church and those from Carolina Heights the greatest one life's greatest gifts when he blessed us with your family. The Lord says we mourn but not as those who have no hope. Russell blessed us all with the gift God gave him. God knew we all needed Russell in our lives to make us laugh and see the humor in every situation that came along. He was the most fun person to be around. Russell has gone on ahead of us and is enjoying the time he is getting to share with Mrs. Rutledge. I wish I could make the hurt go away. I can only pray for you all and think of the day when heaven will be filled with the sound of the Rutledge Family singing praises to God. I love you all so much. God bless you all. Love, Bernie Coone
Bernie Coone
Norma, I am so sorry to hear of you losing Russell, your husband, your best friend....He was always so much fun to be around...God bless you and the family during this difficult time.
Pat Edwards Fargis
I am so sorry to hear about Russell. I have always thought a lot of him and enjoyed being around him. He always would bring a smile to your face and make you laugh. He is in a much better place now and I pray that God will give you all the peace and comfort that you need to get you through this difficult time. Love, Alicia
Alicia Murray Robertson
Norma and Angie, I am so sorry to hear about Russell. I just want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and the ball field will not be the same without him there. If there is anything you need please let me know. Love, Janie
Janie Hopper
Norma, Angie, and family - We were so surprised and saddened to hear about Russell. He was a wonderful friend and such a character! Donna and I just saw him at the big yard sale at the mall a couple of weeks ago. Remembering all of our good times at the ball park, and remembering all of you in prayer.
Curtis and Sarah Pierce
Went to school with Russell,he was a funny & friendly person.So sorry to hear of his passing.Thoughts & Prayers go out to his family.Brenda & David Barksdale
Brenda & David Barksdale
Norma and Angie, You both are in our prayers. We were so sorry to hear of Russell's passing. He was always a gentle giant with a loud voice at the ballgames. He will be missed by many. You have our deepest sympathy.
Carolyn and Ronnie Adkins
I am so very sorry about the passing of russell. Thinking about all the things we did as kids in Carolina Heights.My how time has gone by.Just a quick note to let the family know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest Sympathy
Butch Teague
Dear Family Of Mr. Russell Wade Rutledge I never knew russell personally, but from what i read about him, he was a very fine special kind of guy. I graduated from morehead high school class of 1991, with his daughter angela rutledge. May god be with all of you, during this time of a terrible and sudden loss. Life is very short, we are not always promised tomorrow. This earth isn't our home, our home is in heaven with christ jesus!!!!!! With Deepest Sympathy, Jeff Rakestraw
Jeffrey Rakestraw
So sorry to hear about Russell. He was a truly great guy who was loved by many. My thoughts and prayers are with Norma, Angie, and all the family.
Martha Wright
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