John Allen Rutledge, 84, of Bronson, passed away on Sept.8, 2012 at E T York Hospice Center in Gainesville. He was born Sept. 29, 1927 in Jasper, FL to Ernest and Selma Rutledge. He graduated from Jasper High School and the University of Florida. John served in the US Navy during WWII. Known to many simply as "Coach", John was an avid sportsman. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track at Bronson, Lake Butler, and Trenton. He also taught Math, History, and Phys Ed. He served as principal at Hawthorne High School, Lake Butler Elementary and Trenton High School. Coach Rutledge`s team filled the trophy cases with their successes. Rutledge`s teams made several trips to the state tournaments, playing in two finals in basketball. A few years ago a large gathering of formers players, students and friend honored their beloved coach and teacher for his years at Bronson High School. John was also a poet, writer, and avid historian. John was preceded in death by his brothers, James Rutledge and Ernest Rutledge and a sister Jo Ann Feagle. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia of Bronson, sons John Wade of Orlando, and Rick (Mary) of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren Zack and Alex of Orlando, and Jake and Elizabeth of Charlotte, and a brother Charles Rutledge of Brooksville. The family will receive friends at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Chiefland on Monday, Sept 10 from 5-7 PM. Graveside services will be held at Rosemary Cemetery in Bronson on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levy county Schools Foundation, John Rutledge Scholarship, PO Box 1386, Bronson, FL 32621. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1301 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland, FL 32626, 352-493-0050. On line condolences may be sent through our website at www.hiers-baxley.com |
