Robert James Rutherford

Robert James Rutherford, 79, of Perry, Georgia died Sunday March 8, 2026, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Snow’s Memorial Chapel at Macon Memorial Park. Burial will follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until the hour of service. Pastors James Driver and John H. Young, Jr., will officiate. Flowers are accepted or those who wish may make contributions to Four Winds Apostolic Church, 821 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins GA 31088 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org.

Mr. Rutherford was born in Walton, New York, the son of the late Merritt Travis and Dorothy Louise Gould Rutherford. He was a graduate of Walton High School and received a full wrestling scholarship to The University of Georgia where he completed his BA degree in Agriculture. He also completed his associate’s degree at State University of New York in Delhi, NY, and a Master’s Degree at State University in Albany, NY majoring in Biology and Physical Science. He received his lifetime Teachers Certificate for grades 7 through 12 in Biology and General Science. Robert was retired from Robins Air Force Base after 19 and one-half years and was a retired educator. He was also a coach and started several wrestling programs. Mr. Rutherford was an active member of Four Winds Apostolic Church. Bob loved the Georgia Bulldogs and enjoyed sharing his fondness for football with family and friends. He also admired the outdoors and travelling, finding particular peace in the quiet beauty of Lake Lure, North Carolina. He was a devoted and loving, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle.

Robert was preceded in death by his son, Eric Rutherford, and his brothers, Richard and Ronald Rutherford.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Joyce Weires Rutherford of Perry, GA; his children, Barbara Voss (Douglas) of Marietta, GA, Marie Grucelski (Brian) of Athens, AL, and Janeth Coleman of Vidalia, GA., and Richard Brian Weires, Jr. (Betsy) of Warner Robins, GA.;

grandchildren, Anna Voss, Melia Voss, Hannah Ladtkow (Kyle), Kierston Coleman, Cameron Coleman, Jonathan Weires and William Weires.

Snow’s at Macon Memorial Park has charge of arrangements.