A 1986 graduate of Glen Iris Baptist School, Paul treasured the friendships and faith formed there, often attending services with his mother, Lunell. He and his wife, Andrea, later became members of First Baptist Church Pelham, where they served together in the preschool ministry while raising their young children.
Paul dedicated more than 20 years to BlueCross Blue Shield of Alabama as an Inquiry Analyst. Known for his reliability, patience, and problem‑solving abilities, he was a respected and valued colleague.
He had a lifelong love of sports, especially UAB basketball, and shared many memorable games with his family. His passion for racing ran deep as the son of local auto‑racing legend Bobby Rutherford. Paul visited major NASCAR tracks, experienced a fan drive‑along at Talladega, and proudly supported his son Heath’s iRacing pursuits.
Despite health challenges in later years, Paul’s compassion and strength never wavered. He supported Andrea through seasons of loss and devoted himself to caring for his mother during her final illness, with his family by his side.
Paul is survived by his wife, Andrea; his children, Heath and Hollye; his brother, Steve; and his nephews, Grant and Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Lunell Rutherford, and his grandparents, Julius and Mildred Rutherford, and Lee and Mertie Bell Purser.
Paul will be remembered for his gentle spirit, deep devotion to family, and steadfast faith.
