Jack H. Rutland, 89, passed away on Nov. 22, 2009, at King’sDaughters Medical Center. He was born in Lawrence County on June 6,1920, to Will and Florence Rutland. He was married to the lateEvelyn Smith Rutland for 47 years before her death.

Mr. Rutland enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp prior to WorldWar II and served during the war in England, North Africa and Italyearning five Battle Stars.

He remained in the Air Force serving in the Strategic AirCommand and retired as a master sergeant after 21 years of service,receiving numerous medals and commendations throughout his militarycareer.

Upon retirement, he returned to Lawrence County where he was acotton farmer and operated the Jayess Milling Co., before workingwith the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the MississippiEmployment Security Commission. He was a longtime active member ofJayess Baptist Church where he served as deacon.

His wife, parents Will and Florence B. Rutland, daughter-in-lawSuzonne R. Rutland and eight brothers and sisters preceded him indeath.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jack H. andShirley Rutland Jr., of Brookhaven, Col. Ronald A. and TanyaRutland, USAF Retired, of Camden-Wyoming, Del., and Donald H.Rutland, of Jayess; five grandchildren, Russell S. Rutland, ofCharlotte, N.C., Lt. Robert B. and Elizabeth Rutland, of Goldsboro,N.C., Jamie G. and Joshua Grosshans, of Orlando, Fla., Brett A.Rutland, of Jayess, and Meghan and Matthew Prim, of North RidgelandHeights, Texas; and a great-granddaughter, Avery Rose Grosshans;along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4 until 9 p.m.at Brookhaven Funeral Home on Natchez Avenue. Visitation will alsobe held Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Jayess Baptist Churchfollowed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Billy GrahamEvangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C.,28201.

Mr. Jack, as he was known to all, was a gentle, humble man ofcharacter, who loved his Lord Jesus Christ, his family and hisfellow man.