Ray Rutledge

Ray Rutledge, age 72, returned to his heavenly home October 31st, 2015, after a battle with pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. He passed away in his home and surrounded by his wife and children, in Kosciusko, MS. Ray is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Rutledge, of Kosciusko, MS; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven Rutledge and Kim Hester Rutledge, of Sallis, MS; and his daughter and son-in-law, Cassandra Rutledge Newsom and Brandon Newsom of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Spencer, Bailey, Laura Kathryn, and Wilkes Rutledge of Sallis, MS. Ray was born on February 20th, 1943 and chosen by his parents Percy Rutledge and Rosalie Gunn Rutledge of Lena, MS. He graduated from Lena High School in 1961 and then attended Mississippi State University for college and graduate school, where he met his devoted wife, Sandra. He obtained his specialist degree in Education and became a professor of chemistry and physics. Ray and Sandra moved to Kosciusko in 1968, and he accepted a position as the chemistry and physics teacher at Kosciusko High School, where he worked for approximately 30 years. He then took a position as a Professor of Chemistry and eventually the Chairman of the Department of Math and Sciences at Holmes Community College, Goodman, MS, until 2002. Ray was a faithful servant of his church, First Baptist Church of Kosciusko. He enjoyed most leading the Adult 8 Sunday School class, which he and Sandra founded in 1968 and taught until two months before his passing. He served as the Director of Education at First Baptist from 1976 - 1978. His family and friends will always remember him as a brilliant, humble, humorous, compassionate, and above all, loving man of God. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 2nd, at Jordan's Funeral Home, from 5 to 7:30. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd, 2:00, at First Baptist Church, Kosciusko. A family graveside service will be held at Parkway Cemetery following the services. Reverends Barry Corbett and Mark Parnell will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ray's life. The family would like to thank their church family for ongoing prayers and support. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Attala County, or designated for a missions or outreach program of First Baptist Church Kosciusko.