Donald Rhea Rutledge

Donald Rhea Rutledge, 81, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at the Holston Valley Medical Center. Mr. Rutledge was born on March 29, 1933 in Kingsport, Tennessee, the son of the late James William Rutledge and Flora Alice Elkins Rutledge. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and was a member of Glenwood Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be missed by many. Mr. Rutledge graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was employed by the City of Kingsport Police Department as a patrolman and later moved to the Detective Division. Mr. Rutledge later went to the District Attorney’s office as a Special Investigator where he retired after twenty years of service. He was active in the Indian Springs and Sunnyside Ruritan for several years. He is the past President of the Tennessee Chapter of the FBI Academy Associates, member of FOP and TLEOA, and was a Boy Scout Scoutmaster. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rutledge was preceded in death by his grandson, Brandon James Waycaster and a nephew David Franklin. Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Jane Fields Rutledge; one son, Steven Rhea Rutledge; one daughter, Terri Lea Tolley and husband Randy; one granddaughter, Kirsten Lea Waycaster and Andrew; one grandson, Kenneth Wayne Hauck; two very special great granddaughters, Lilly Belle Hauck and Brandyn Rose Waycaster; and a new great grandson, Rowdy Huel Hoyle; one sister, Naomi Rutledge Chafin and husband Lincoln; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends Friday, March 13, 2015 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral Services for Mr. Donald Rhea Rutledge will be held Friday, March 13, 2015 at 7:00pm in the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Elkins officiating. Graveside service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 11:00am in the Garden of David of East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or any charity of choice. East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664; 423-288-2081 is honored to be serving the Rutledge family.