Know you are there in God's kingdom.  At this time of year, I miss our football conversations and life in general. See you on the other side Brother E.

I will always think of  Ernest as a Godly man, an amazing man, and friend.  In our conversations, Brother E,  always had a way of sharing wisdom that would put life into a new perspective, or generate a new way to approach a problem. He had a significant impact upon students and knew them well. He always had the time to sit and talk with one of them, when they needed to.  Even, after he left Challenger,  students continued to talk of him, and quoted him often.  An impact that went beyond school. His legacy will certainly last.  It is often said that you can judge a man by his name and the impact he leaves upon others. Ernest, certainly fulfilled such a statement.  I will miss him, and I know for sure we will see him again on the streets of gold and in heaven's mansion. It was an honor to know Ernest. God bless his family.  

Scott Naylor

Much love & prayers for you family.
A born encourager, like his mom.
He will be, forever in our hearts.😘

I was one of the lucky students at Challenger Early College who was able to know Mr. Rutherford; though at the time, we all called him Brother E. Mr. Rutherford was an amazing person; he always treated us like adults instead of children, and he respected us just as much as we respected him. 
He always started our school days in the Nest with the same speech, and I will always remember it fondly. 
It was an honor to know him and learn from him, and I sincerely hope that his family and friends find peace during this time. 

Thank you for everything, Brother E. Rest in Power and Rest Peacefully. <3 🙏🏼

-Cleome Clayborne (CECHS Class of 2021) 

I'm thankful for the moments to have been a student of Mr.Rutherford! The impact he has made on every student shows through the love and passion he had. He encouraged every morning and guided us to make wise choices. May the Lord bring peace and comfort to the family! I thank you family for allowing Mr. Rutherford to be a part of our lives! 

Hearing his pep-talks in the morning at Challenger meant a lot to me and every student. Feeling uplifted and loved by him every single day was crucial for a high schooler like me. He made me feel confident and loved. Days where I felt less than, I always knew that at least he cared. I feel honored to have known Brother E for the time that I did. He impacted my life and was essential in me figuring out who I am. 

To Mr. Rutherford,

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the great memories and your wonderful service at Challenger.  We were really grateful to have someone like you to guide us students to become empowered and encouraged to do things that we all thought we couldn't during our time. The Nest will not be the same without you. The morning announcements will forever be engraved withing my memories as I remember your leading voice.  It was always a great day to be a Challenger student.  You are in a better place now. Rest in paradise, Brother E. 

Sincerely,
Salaam Rasombath (Class of 2015)

Mr. Rutherford was kind gentleman. He was well respected by everyone at Catawba Valley Community College. He adored his students and the students adored him. His care for each of them was apparent, regardless of who they were.  His love for his daughters  was immeasurable. He always had a slight smile on his face when he talked about them. I hope they know they had a loving father who wanted the best for them.

I was in Coach Rutherfords PAA during my 4 years at Challenger. He was the epitome of motivation, professionalism, and care. He ensured that all Challenger students were motivated and taken care of each and every single day. Two of my favorite lines from Mr. E “STOP. I repeat, STOP pouring your RAMEN NOODLES DOWN THE DRAIN at the water fountain.” and “If you make popcorn in the nest, DON’T burn it or your popcorn privileges are GONE.”. 

Rest in Power King. 🙏🏼💪🏼

While I only knew Mr. Rutherford my freshman year, he still made a mark on my heart that I will never forget. He was amazing. May he rest in peace<3

Coach Rutherford was such an amazing bright spot at Challenger. Such a sweet soul. There was never a shortage of smiles around him or from him. I am so grateful for the time I got to spend on the basketball team with him as our coach. Your guidance, kindness, humor, and care with all always be remembered. You'll be missed, Coach. Rest well in the arms of Jesus. 💜

Mr. Rutherford, 
Thank you for all of the great memories at Challenger. The nest will not be the same without you. I hope you are no longer hurting and that you have found peace. Thanks for the morning announcements and for reminding me about how great it was to be a challenger student. You made challenger a special place to be and I am forever thankful for that. Rest in paradise, Brother E.
Sincerely,
Johnny V.

He was a kind-hearted man who wanted the best for his students and he will be deeply missed. Brother E was exactly what I needed everyday my freshman year. He would turn a groggy morning into a happy one with his boundless energy and who could forget his speech. I give my deepest condolences to his friends and family. 

Brother E… a legend at Challenger. 

“It’s a great day to be a challenger student because you’re working in your two year degree for *FREE* and *UNIVERSITY PREP DIPLOMA SIMULTANEOUSLY * Simultaneously… I like that..” 

He always knew that he would get responses from us. We loved the announcements every morning because of him. Even if he was telling us things we didn’t want to hear. 

I miss him. I miss those days. I’m sending so much love to the family because I can’t be there. Just know what he meant to us. He meant a lot. 

It is with great sadness that I send you this message. But I knew Brother E from Challenger. He always had a smile on his face and always made my day by reminding me of how it is always a great day to be a Challenger student. My prayers are with you all as I know it is difficult to lose a loved one. 
    Love, Prayers, and Blessings,
             Kayleigh Hoyle

To the Rutherford/Dula families my condolences to you and my prayer is that God will give you comfort, peace and guidance during this season. Ernest was a wonderful person and always wore a welcoming smile. 

Anita Lloyd and family. 

I extend condolences and prayers to the family. 

I remember Ernest from WPCC. He always had funny stories and shared wonderful encouragement and inspiration with me and other students. Though I had not seen him in quite sometime, it was always a pleasure to chat anytime I saw him. He always had a very optimistic viewpoint and positive attitude. 

Ernest will be missed but never forgotten. The lessons he shared with others will continue just as his legacy will. 

I am deeply sadden to hear this ernest was a very humble young man condolences to the family may heaven smile upon you

Prayers and condolences to the family. We grew up together in Hartland & I've always loved the family. Bug was always so nice & comical. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.
May he #RIParadise 🕊🤍

My sincere condolences to the Rutherford family. I had the pleasure of engaging in a long conversation about education and sports, with Ernest several years ago, while I  was working at Frye Regional Medical Center as an RN. May Ernest  RI HP. Prayers are going up for the family during this difficult time. 

Ernest was my classmate and friend. My condolences to the family. Praying for strength and comfort during this time. RIP Big Ern. 

Mr. Rutherford worked at Challenger for many years.  All of the students who were there while he was there would talk about his daily talks in the NEST.  Last year, one of our seniors, Antony Ponmany, included "Brother E"'s speech he gave every day in his speech at graduation.  May it provide comfort and a smile in the midst of your pain during this hard time.  Know that all of us are thinking of all of you.

It’s a GREAT DAY to be a Challenger student 
because you’re working on your 
two year degree for freeeee AND
Your university prep diploma simultaneously. 
That’s right. 
If you believe and I believe that means we have 
TWO BELIEVERS. 
But you know what I did last night? 
I called my dad, my best friend and we talked. 
But ladies and gentlemen, 
I’ve got a friend that I call the ultimate friend. 
And he’s a waymaker and a promise keeper. 
I can tell him about the good times 
AND I can tell him about the bad times. 
I can tell him when I’m happy AND
I can tell him when I’m sad. 
And he says "Brother E, 
troubles come but they do pass. 
Heartaches hurt but they don’t last. 
Always." 

- In honor of “Brother E”, Ernest Rutherford 
who worked at Challenger from 2009-2019


From the Billy Joe Moore Family
Praying comfort and strength for the Rutherford family on the passing of a kind and humorous father and brother.  Eternal peace...


Our sincere condolences to the Rutherford family. We went to high school with his father. Diann taught his two daughters at Hillcrest Elementary School. He took an extra interest in his children's education. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives. You remain in our most sincere prayers.

To the family of Ernest Rutherford. 

I’m sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you as you mourn the loss of a great man. I went to school with Earnest and played football with him. He was an absolute joy to be around and honored to call him my friend. We used to listen to music in the parking lot before home games. For some reason he liked listening to Hank Williams Jr with us. He used to laugh so hard to “A country boy can survive” especially when Hank wanted to spit Beech Nut in that dudes eye. It makes me smile every time I hear that song because of Earnest. What I remember most is his laugh and smile.  What I respect most about Earnest was his character. May God bless you all and I’m so sorry for your loss. 

To the family of Ernest A. Rutherford, Jr.:  

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your loved one.  I can remember him working deligently at the Winn Dixie Grocery Store in the produce department and whereever he was needed.  
May God grant you peace and comfort during this time.


Jacqueline C. Kanipe

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ernest Albert Rutherford Jr.

24 octobre 1966 – 18 octobre 2022

Kirksey Funeral Home

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