Mr. Roy “Gene” Rutherford, age 82, Jonesborough, went to meet his Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center.
He was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church.
Mr. Rutherford was born on July 18, 1943, in Jonesborough, TN. He was the youngest child of Thomas Charles Rutherford and Texie Rowland Rutherford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Thomas Charles and Elizabeth Shepherd Rutherford, Charles “Jake” and Harriet Hagan Rowland; siblings, Mildred Jeanette Phillips, an infant brother, Lee, George Carroll, Thomas Charles Jr., Talbert, Paul Glenn and Lewis Jack Rutherford; and niece Vicky Rutherford Thomason.
Survivors include his wife of 61.5 years, Linda Mitchell Rutherford, Jonesborough, whom he married on March 9, 1964; daughter Rebecca Jean Rutherford and granddaughter Nina Miniet, who thought dad and papaw could fix anything; niece, Janet and family; four nephews, Chuck, Michael, Talbert Linn Rutherford, and Ronnie Phillips and families; sisters-in-law Stella Rutherford and Betty Rutherford Presnell (Raymond) and cousins.
He graduated from Lamar High School in 1963 and began working as an electrician. He co-owned Rutherford Electric Company in Johnson City, owned Modern Electric Company and Maytag in Greeneville, and Mitchell-Hodge Electric in Morristown. After retiring from the electrical business, he served several years as Tennessee Deputy Electrical Inspector before retiring.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 PM, Monday, October 6, 2025, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Tommy Clark officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday prior to the service.
Graveside services will be conducted 12 Noon, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Monte Vista Burial Park.
Pallbearers will be Mark Suttle, Harold Foister, Larry Mitchell, Carroll Fender, Todd Fields, Raymond Presnell. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Hill, Jerry Percell and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Cherry Grove Baptist Church Food Pantry or Children's Back Pack Ministry, 104 Cherry Grove Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659.
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was always the sweetest man and friend to James and I. I know he will be missed.
Gene was a man that had integrity, if he told you something, that was the way it was, I have known Gene for many years and have always had a great amount of respect for him.
Being an electrical inspector myself, Gene would call me or I would call him to catch up on events and contractors that we both were having problems with, Gene always could find the good in anyone and that is what made him special. He will definitely be missed I will be praying for the family in these difficult days.
10/06/2025
Dorothy McLain Summers
Linda,
We’re so sorry to read of Genes passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I won’t be able to attend the service’s but I’ll be in touch soon ~ Love, Dorothy and the McLain’s (Blanche’s family)
10/06/2025
Michael Rutherford II
We are terribly sorry for your loss.
Uncle Gene was a great man and I have nothing but fond and kind memories of him. He always had a calm presence that made you feel good inside and he will be terribly missed by anyone that knew him.
Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Michael, Miranda, Jackson, and Liam Rutherford
I'm so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Mike and Nona Sells
Gene was a good friend and coworker who you could always depend on and look up to. He is going to be greatly missed.
Prayers for Gene’s family.
10/04/2025
Michael P Rutherford
Uncle Gene was a great man. He was a very kind person to everyone he came in contact with. I just don’t have the words to describe how kind and considerate man he was. Prayers to his family.
