Kenneth Wayne "Red" Rutledge

Kenneth Wayne “Red” Rutledge (51), of Rock Island, TN, passed away on October 12, 2024, at St Thomas River Park Hospital due to congestive heart failure. He is at peace and his life is no longer plagued by addiction.

Red was born November 22, 1972, in McMinnville, TN to Ben Edward and Betty Alverson Rutledge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Ben and Jessie Young Rutledge; maternal grandparents, Homer and Inez Ross Alverson; cousin, Richie Barrow; uncle, Liston Rutledge; aunt, Lydia Darlene Rutledge Beadles; niece, Hannah Disbro Posthumus; uncles, Preston Rutledge and James Alverson of Tampa, FL and cousin, Marshall Williams of Columbia, SC.

He is survived by sons, Brandon (Madison) Rutledge of Tacoma, WA and Bobby (Kyra) Woolsey of Rock Island and daughter Deena (Eugene) Nolan of McMinnville. In addition to his children, he is survived by ex-wife, Donna Rutledge; brothers, Kurt (Shelia) Rutledge and Keith Rutledge both of Rock Island; uncles, Bobby (Lola) Rutledge of Rock Island, Wayne (Gina) Alverson of Columbia, SC and Danny Alverson of Columbia, SC; aunts, Debbie (Jan) Farr of Corban, KY, Sandy (Steve) Goldstein of Columbia, SC and Lisa Rutledge of Dunlap; cousin-sister, Pamela Rutledge Disbro (Harry) Felty of Rock Island; cousin-brother, Robby (Scott) Rutledge Williams of Rock Island; cousin, Jennifer (Scott) Varnadoe of GA; cousins, Freddie Alverson, Melissa (Renee) Wilson, Aaron Williams and Amber Williams all of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Samhara and Joel Woolsey, Savannah and Oliver Nolan; nephews, Kyle Rutledge, Bryton Rutledge and Justin Disbro; nieces, Jessica (Daniel) McKinney, Kayla (Bill) Rader and Morgan “Mo” Rutledge. He is also survived by many more family members and friends.

Red enjoyed being a small engine mechanic and was previously employed by Underwood True Value Hardware. He also enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler and spending time with his dog Barkie Van Schnauzer “Bark”. But most important, Red had unconditional love for his children, grandchildren, family, and close friends. 

Red was a Christian and a member of Friendship the Baptist Church. 

Although as a family we are heartbroken by his death, it is something we have feared for years. Many looked at Red and saw just another addict, but we saw past the façade created by his addiction. He loved completely and fiercely. He was unable to hold a grudge and was known to “give the shirt off of his back” to someone in need. At the mention of the name of Jesus he would lower his head and sob, often audibly praying for God to please take the cravings from him. Like so many, Red, suffered trauma from a very young age and was unable to work through his pain and instead suppressed it. We, the family of Red Rutledge, want you to know you are never alone and you are always worthy of the love of God. 

At his request, Red is being cremated. A memorial service will be held to honor his life at Campaign Community Center on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6pm. 

Memorial donations may be made at High Funeral Home in McMinnville, TN to assist family with cremation costs or by Venmo at https://www.venmo.com/u/HighFuneral-Home. 

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremation’s, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.