Hoke T. Rutherford, Sr., 77, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Saturday, December 25, 2010 at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 4 P.M., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dewain Joiner and Rev. Robert Sorrow officiating. Faith Rutherford and Angella Krause will deliver eulogies. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Monday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. Rutherford was born May 14, 1933 in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late Hoke Smith & Johnnie Viola Hurt Rutherford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War Era. Mr. Rutherford was retired owner/operator of Rutherford Insurance Agency after more than 30 years. He was also a farmer and was well known for cooking barbecue and his famous sauce. He lived in Fitzgerald most of his life and was a former resident of Newport News, Virginia. He was a former member of the Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Rutherford was a member of the Fitzgerald Church of God where he formerly served as a Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Betty L. Rutherford of Fitzgerald; children: Diann & Kent Heninger of Fitzgerald, Hoke T., Jr. & Carolyn Rutherford, and Faith Marie Rutherford of Fitzgerald; son-in-law: Glen Cook; special caregiver: Terry Coney; grandchildren: Michelle & Brian Joiner, Michael & Ashley Clark, Angella & Kyle Krause, Keri & Kevin Vander Horn, Chip & Brandy Rutherford, Ashlee Raffied, Landon Cook, Christina McClelland & Joshua McClelland, Katy & Chris Calhoun, Kaleb Heninger & Kurt Heninger; great-grandchildren: Brandon, Hunter, Anslee, Allie, Kody, Kyler, Madyson, Gregory, Gage, Karoline, Kevin II, Kouston, Blaise & Blaire; two sisters: Thelma Hamm of Newport News, Virginia and Willester Guirado & Raymond Watson of Fitzgerald as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Buddy, Tim, and Charles; two sisters: Kathy & A.V.; and a son-in-law: Jackie Lee Clark.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Fitzgerald Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 1142, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.