Earl J. Rutland, Sr., 77, of Guadalupe, Costa Rica, formerly of Tifton and Wauchula, Florida, died Saturday, January 13, 2007, in Costa Rica. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2007, in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Rev. Terrell Roberts will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Mr. Rutland was born on September 23, 1929 in Tifton and was the son of Charlie Robert Rutland, Sr. and Burmah Dollar Rutland, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Lori Rutland; and two brothers, Charlie Robert "Pete" Rutland, Jr. and Lloyd Rutland. He was a retired businessman and real estate developer and of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Rutland is survived by his wife, Beatriz Angulo Vanegas of Costa Rica; one son, Earl J. Rutland, Jr. of Saint Petersburg, Florida; two daughters, Kay Beauvois of Saint Petersburg, Florida and Sherrie Rutland of Saint Petersburg, Florida; three brothers, Gene Rutland of Tampa, Florida, Elton Rutland of Tampa, Florida and Edward Rutland of Brandon, Florida; two sisters, Mildred Perry of Moultrie and Pearl Barfield of Avon Park, Florida; and four grandchildren.