Mr. Thomas Ralph Rutherford, 86, of Lavonia, formerly of Atlanta, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Hart Care Center following an extended illness.
Born January 24, 1931, in Austell, GA, he was the son of the late Raymond "Buck" Rutherford and Ruby (Meadows) Rutherford. He was a 1951 graduate from North Georgia College and veteran of the US Army. He served in the Korean War. He retired from JM Tull Metals after 37 years of service. Mr. Rutherford is a member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and an affiliate member of the Lavonia United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years: Doris (Stutts) Rutherford; son and daughter-in-law: Dean and Christie Rutherford; daughter and son-in-law: Dawn and Chester Ingram; and grandchildren: Evan Rutherford and Christian Rutherford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson: Ryan Rutherford; brother: Raymond Rutherford; and sisters: Mildred Rutherford, Alline Gore, and Catherine McWilliams.
The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2017 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. John Dallas officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. The graveside service with military honors will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Prospect Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mooresville, NC with Rev. Fred Coates officiating.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.