Dr. George Ellis Rudd Sr.

Dr. George Ellis Rudd, 83 of Pinson, passed away Saturday, March 17, at home surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Elinor Patricia Sprague Rudd, as well as his parents, George W. Rudd and Bessie Ellis Rudd. Dr. Rudd is survived by his son George Ellis Rudd, Jr. (Cindy), daughters Julia Sprague Rudd, and Elinor Rebecca Rudd Mauldin (T. Ray). Grandchildren: George E. "Trace" Rudd III; Celia Michaela Rudd; Rachel Elinor Mauldin and Benjamin Rudd Mauldin. Sister- in- law Peggy Lindsey Sprague; nieces Laura Sprague Crew (Ben) and Jill Sprague Hyers (Cal); three great nieces and a great nephew; cousin, Myra Ellis Rucker (Rick); many cousins and numerous friends and caregivers who assisted him during his later years.

Born on April 10, 1928, and raised in Bradford, AL, Dr. Rudd graduated from Phillips High School. As the son of a coal miner he worked at Alabama Byproducts Corp. during summer breaks to earn his tuition to the University of Alabama. Upon graduating in 1950 with a BS, he won admission to the Medical College of Alabama from which he graduated in 1955. He completed his residency at Carraway Methodist Hospital. In 1956 he founded a general practice in Pinson known as Pinson Medical Offices. In 1966 he was selected as Chief of Staff, East End Memorial Hospital. In 1969 he served as President of the Alabama Academy of General Practice. Dr. Rudd was a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, 1973; a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice, 1976; and a Member of the Adjunct Faculty College Community Health Sciences, U of A, Tuscaloosa. In 1983 Dr. Rudd served as Chairman of Family Practice, East End Memorial Hospital as well as a member of the hospital’s Executive, Long-Range Planning and Education Committees. He later took over similar functions at Medical Center East. In 1986, Dr. Rudd took over as Medical Director of Industrial Medicine and was a faculty member for the Family Practice Residency Program at Carraway Hospital.

Dr. Rudd’s commitment to public service was recognized in many forms. The Eastern Area Chamber of Commerce named Dr. Rudd The Outstanding Citizen of 1968. He was also named a Life Member of PTA. He served as a Lt. jg in the US Naval Reserve 1956-59. Dr. Rudd was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity; Pinson Civitan Club; Board of Directors of Pinson Valley Association; and Board of Directors Jefferson State Junior College Foundation. He served as Team Doctor for The Pinson Valley Indians for numerous years. From 1972-1978 he served as a member of the Jefferson County Board of Education, where he served 2 terms as President. In recognition of his advocacy for the under-served students of Pinson and Palmerdale, he was honored and pleased to have Dr. George E. Rudd Middle School built during his time on the board.

Dr. Rudd was an active member of Pinson United Methodist Church for 53 years. He taught the Discipleship Class for over ten years. He served on various church committees including 25 years as Finance Chairman, Chairman of the Administrative Board, Administrative Council, and was a member of the Funseekers Group. He participated in and supported the Alabama Emmaus Community. Dr. Rudd is also named in Who’s Who in Methodism.

Dr. Rudd was a member of Riverwood Hunting and Fishing Club and treasured the hours spent on the river with his family and friends. He thrived in the society of people and found serving his patients his greatest reward. His family would like to thank Dr. Rudd’s oncologist, Dr. Allen Yielding, who reminded us that “God is good.” Dr. Rudd survived 11 years with an initial 3 month prognosis. Special thanks to Always There, Alacare Hospice, and special friends Fred and Sarah Akins.

Visitation will be Monday evening March 19, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Pinson United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. at Pinson United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 1-3:00 P.M. with interment to follow at Marvin's Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the following organizations: Pinson United Methodist Church's General Budget, P.O. Box 710 Pinson, AL 35126; Hometown Bank, Rudd Middle School Special Fund, 6840 Hwy 79 Pinson, AL 35126.