Ralph E. Rutledge

Ralph (Radar) Eugene Rutledge, Jr. of Marietta, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a. m. on Friday, February 16, 2018 in the chapel of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory, Marietta. Interment will follow at 3:00 p. m. in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11 a.m. Friday prior to the service. Mr. Rutledge was born in Hokes Bluff, Alabama, in 1943, to the late Sara Frances Wiley and Ralph Eugene Rutledge, Sr. Later his mother married Leonard S. Wilson of Oxford, Alabama. Mr. Wilson was a long-sustaining influence in his life. After high school, Ralph enlisted in the Air Force. Upon his discharge, he settled in Marietta, Georgia where he drove for REA Express. This employment was followed by becoming a city driver for Roadway Express in Atlanta, during which time he earned the “Million Mile” Safe Driving Award. During this time, he re-enlisted into the Georgia Air National Guard. He was proud to be a member of the 118th Air Control Squadron in Kennesaw, Georgia. This unit had previously been designated as the 118th Tactical Control Flight. His rank was SMSgt (Senior Master Sergeant). He served as the First Sergeant for the unit. His time with this unit was something of which he was most proud. Love of God and country and appreciation of his friends there were some of the most important parts of his life. He was also a Mason and Shriner. He was an active member of the Yaarab Guard. After his retirement from the Air National Guard, he worked security then volunteered for many years at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. He is survived by his wife, Sheri (Marietta), his daughter Kendal Delaine Hall and granddaughter Caroline Hall (Lexington, SC), sisters, Dot Brown (Weaver, Alabama), Judy McKnight (Springfield Mo.) and Patricia Barnes (Atlanta). He was fortunate to have had many nieces and nephews whom he also loved dearly. His hobbies of playing golf with friends and cheering for the University of Alabama were also a big part of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Ralph E. Rutledge

July 21, 1943 - February 13, 2018