Robert M. Rutherford

Mr. Rutherford passed away Tuesday at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He was the widower of Janet Lee Rutherford, who died November 24, 2009. The Rutherford's married October 23, 1977.

He was born in Rockwood, TN, the son of the late Houston and Ruth Rutherford and grew up in Herriman, TN. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he eventually received his master's degree. Mr. Rutherford worked as a band director in East Tennessee and, during that time, was a musical mentor for a young Dolly Parton in Sevierville. Several years later, he went on to serve as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Tennessee where he retired approximately 30 years ago.

Music was a particular passion for Mr. Rutherford. He was an accomplished trumpet player having played beside and for many of the greats in the music business. He also sat first chair in several symphony orchestras including the Jackson Symphony.

He leaves two step-daughters, Diana James of Trenton and Debbie Flurry of Bolivar; one step-son, Carl James, Jr. of Vidalia, GA; five step-grandchildren, Adam and Shelby Flurry, Sterling and Walker James and Steven Autry, II; and six great-grandchildren.