Obituary of James Don Rutledge

James Don Rutledge – Gaston – A memorial service for James Don Rutledge, 67, of Gaston, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington. Pastor Mark Bredholt will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, which is assisting the family.

Don Rutledge passed away July 29, 2018. Born in Bakersfield, CA, he was a son of the late James Bryant Rutledge and Willie Rea Stone Rutledge. Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was blessed with a talent and a love for singing, and he often sang in church, nursing homes and the occasional karaoke show. Don was also an avid gardener and welder who loved to travel. He was the life of any gathering,  and was a “gentle giant” with little children.

Don’s jobs as a trucker took him many places; one of his favorites was driving for the L.A. Barrier Company in Lexington. He made many friends there who will remember him with fondness. He’ll also be lovingly remembered by his family, favorite niece and nephews and a host of friends in South Carolina.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elaine H. Rutledge; daughter, Rebecca; sons, Donnie and John; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Greg Rutledge (Jane) of Texas, Steve Rutledge (Sophia) of Texas, Paul Rutledge (Roxanne) of Texas; sister, Michelle Clayton (Don) of Texas; step-mother, Lida Rutledge of Texas, and a large and loving extended family.  Don was predeceased by his mother and father.

The family would like to thank the hospice staff and nurses at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center Warrior’s Walk Hospice for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 200 Center Point Circle, Suite 100, Columbia, SC, 29210.