Willie G. Rutledge

Reverend Willie Gene Rutledge died peacefully on Oct 22, 2020 at his home in Pensacola, FL surrounded by his family at the age of 82. Born to parents William Rutledge & Opal Scarbrough Rutledge on Nov 4, 1937 in Sucarnoochee, Mississippi (a railroad town that no longer exists). Gene was married June 26, 1958 to the love of his life, Althia Rosetta Hamilton (His Rose) for 55 years. Preceded in death by: Rose Rutledge (wife), Mike Rutledge (son), William Rutledge (father), Opal Rutledge Bordelon (mother), Ed Bordelon (step father), Patricia Rutledge (sister), Tonya Rutledge (daughter in law), Mikey Rutledge (grandson), Rosie Rutledge (granddaughter), Alijah Rutledge (great grandson), and several "Angel Grandbabies". Survived by: Five sisters: Alice (Harry) Welker, Janice (Frank) Alardo, Joy (Johnny) Burge, Mr. & Mrs. C.P. Calametti, Marie (Greg) Sweeney all of Alabama; Four sons: Darrell Rutledge, Dean Rutledge, Donnie (Shelley) Rutledge all of Florida, David (Gayle) Rutledge of Georgia; Thirty grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; His special extended family (the Miller family) and many other people who loved him dearly. Gene served honorably in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He bravely fought with the First Calvary Division in the Vietnam War. He obtained recognitions in various fields for engineering and aviation repair. Most notably was his completion of seminary and obtaining his doctorate in Theology. He was an active and dedicated ordained bishop in the Church of God. His seminary training and love of the Lord is what guided him through his life long journey in the ministry of Jesus Christ of fifty plus years and his life will still minister even after death. Above all these accomplishments, Gene (affectionately known to everyone as Pawpaw), was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Not many people surpass his desire to do for others. He was a champion in the world of refugees and director of “H.E.L.P Ministries”. If you needed a home he would give you his. If you needed clothing he would give you the shirt off his back. If you needed food he provided a feast (well Nanny would do the cooking and everything else, but he was there). His love for his family and his service to the Lord went beyond measure. He was a true servant and had a positive impact to all those who knew him. What may be our worldly loss, is definitely Heaven's gain. Matthew 25:35-40 NKJV for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Tributes

Willie G. Rutledge

November 4, 1937 - October 22, 2020