Jerry Earl Rutland, 75, of Ruth, passed away at his residence onJuly 14, 2010.

Funeral services were Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at ProvidenceBaptist Church in Jayess. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mr. Rutland was born in Lincoln County to the late Woodie J.Rutland and the late Ethel G. Smith Rutland.

He was retired from the maintenance department of Georgia-Pacific.He was a hard worker who was respected by many of his co-workers.He was also a very talented musician that loved to play his guitarup until his health diminished.

Mr. Rutland was a member of Providence Baptist Church. He was aloving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatlymissed by all of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen EarlRutland; and his sister, Bettye R. Price.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ramona Townsend Rutland;his daughters and their husbands, Sherry and Pete Maxie, of Ruth,and Sheila and Matt Hill, of Monticello; his brothers, Rex LamarRutland and Willie Smith Rutland, both of Ruth; his sister, BarbaraAdair, of Jayess; five grandchildren and their spouses; eightgreat-grandchildren; and his faithful companion, Sassy.