Ira Thomas Rutledge

Ira was raised in Beaumont, TX but lived in Longview, TX for many years. He was a Christian that devoted a lot of time to Bible study and research. Ira loved horses and guitars.

Ira is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Dorothy Rutledge; and a sister, Betty Harper. He is survived by his brother, Don and Cindy Rutledge; six sisters: Gay and Fred Green, Sharon Rutledge, Dorothy Bond, Irene and Joe Willis, Ruth Johnson, and Wanda Striegler; brother-in-law, Billy Harper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ira was a multi-talented man. He was valedictorian of his graduating class at Sabine High School. He went on to attend Southwestern Assembly of God College in Waxahachie, Texas. While there he had the opportunity to play guitar for the Gatlin family on a Christian album they made the early years before they went on to become the successful "Gatlin Brothers." He was a talented musician and used that to sing and play guitar in various churches during his whole life.

Also, Ira had talent in carpentry and house building. Many times drawing his own to scale building plans. He built several houses including the electrical and plumbing; he mastered it all. Incredibly, he and his dad built a two story, 6 bedroom, 3 bath family home, also single handedly.

Ira was raised around his dad's car sales business. Perhaps out of necessity he learned to do auto repairs being able to completely rebuild engines including overhauling intricate carburetors with hundreds of tiny parts. In addition, Ira became a professional paint and body technician. He owned his own paint and body shop in Longview, Texas for several years.

Ira was an independent type person. He always chose to be his own boss, perhaps influenced by his dad; Ira was not one to work for a corporation and punch a time clock. He preferred to use his skills as he decided and to see the rewards of his labor personally.

Ira's passions included his love of guitars, evidenced by his collection of many guitars he had at the time of his passing. In addition to guitars, Ira loved horses. He collected every month's copy of the "American Quarter Horse Journal" for most of his early life. He knew conformations and studied bloodlines of the successful horses of the time. He followed the cutting horses and he could spot a "cow" horse. He had the opportunity to acquire two race horses that he felt had a lot of potential, but decided that was a rich man's hobby and relinquished that dream to go into business and help his dad in his auto sales business.

Ira continued his Bible study through his whole life. During his later years he spent a lot of time studying the Bible and Bible reference books, including a trip to London, England to research some of the early Christian writings.

He will be missed in many ways by many people. A memorial service will be held at a later date.