It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Larry Douglas Rutledge of Temple, GA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These pages are a small offering toward a much larger life.
Larry held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Few who serve speak of it freely; those who knew him understood.
Mr. Larry Douglas Rutledge, age 78, of Temple, Georgia, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Tanner Medical Center in Villa Rica.
Mr. Rutledge was born August 24, 1947, in Dallas, Georgia, the son of the late Walter Ernest Rutledge and the late Jimmie Lou Cohran Rutledge. He was a self-employed carpenter who took great pride in his work and craftsmanship. Mr. Rutledge was a member of Smyrna Methodist Church and was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served in Vietnam. He will be remembered for his hardworking nature and dedication to his family and country.
Mr. Rutledge is survived by his children, Tony Douglas Rutledge and Christie of Temple, Lindsey and Michael Miller of Charleston, South Carolina, and Amanda Rutledge of Villa Rica; step-daughters, Scarlet Martin of Dallas and Traci and Daryl Norton of Temple; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; siblings, Bobby Rutledge of Heflin, Alabama, Corena Ann Rutledge of Heflin, Alabama, Wanda Rutledge of Heflin, Alabama; along with a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Rutledge and sister Patricia Woodall.
Mr. Rutledge will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at J. Collins Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of J. Collins Funeral Home with Rev. Troy White officiating and Lindsey Miller giving the Eulogy. The American Legion Post #143 Honor Guard will provide honors.
Cremation will follow the service with a private inurnment service to be held in Smyrna Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.
To send condolences to the family, visit our website at www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com
J. Collins Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Villa Rica is in charge of arrangements.
