John Richard "Rick" Rutledge, 71, of Hernando, MS, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Mr. Rutledge was a 1965 graduate of Germantown High School. He attended Lambuth College in Jackson, TN and was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from 1969-1971, serving in the Vietnam War. He began his retail career with Woolco and worked for Walmart for over 35 years where he retired as store manager of Walmart Supercenter in Leitchfield, KY. Mr. Rutledge was an active member of Hernando Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on October 20, 2005 by Governor Ernie Fletcher. Rick was a hero to many as he gallantly battled cancer with faith and good humor—never complaining. He was an avid fan and cheerleader for his family in all their activities including sports. He loved to hunt, fish and garden; travel with his beloved Nancy and friends; and go to “free pie Wednesday.” He was “Bubba,” “Papaw,” “Paps,” “Son,” and “Dad” to his family. He was “J. Rick,” a friend and mentor to his extended Walmart family. He was all these people and so much more! He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Rutledge and his step-father, Forrest Fortune (Bunks). Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife, Nancy Russell Rutledge, his mother, Rosalyn Dilliard Rutledge Fortune, three children, John Christopher Rutledge (Donnita), Stephanie Roy, Megan Vincent (Brandon), and his daughter-in-law, Michelle Rutledge. Survivors also include his siblings, Terri Stone (Art), Chuck Rutledge (Sandra), and Rose Massey (Marvin), ten grandchildren, four nephews, one niece, three great-nieces and one great-nephew. Also to mourn his loss are Nancy's children, whom he loved as his own, Stefanie Stanfill (Richard), Rob Stone (Angie), Craig Stone (Amy), Scott Stone (Amanda), and all their children. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 6-8pm and the funeral service will be held Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11:30am, all at Hernando Baptist Church. Private Interment will take place in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hernando Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.brantleyfuneral.com.
