United States Army and Air Force Veteran, Deacon Irwin Clyde Rutherford of 1708 GA Hwy 195, North, Americus, Georgia passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:30 PM in the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church sanctuary in Americus, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors, will follow at Rutherford Memorial Gardens in Americus, Georgia.

Irwin Clyde Rutherford Sr. was born in Stewart County to the late Homer William Rutherford Sr. and Elma Brown Rutherford. He was one of ten siblings and was preceded in death by his brothers: Vet. Alphonso Rutherford, Vet. McArthur Rutherford, Mr. Herman (Lewis) Rutherford Sr., and his brothers-in-law: Vet. Johnnie L. Harris and Vet. Willie Tyson.

Irwin received his education in the Sumter County Public School system. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the Army and later switched to the Air Force, serving two tours in Vietnam. He ended his military career in the Army Reserve. Following his military service of over 40 years, Irwin attended South Georgia Technical College, where he earned a degree in Automotive Technology and obtained his CDL license.

After returning from Vietnam, Irwin dedicated over 25 years to farming. He also served as a  police officer at Georgia Southwestern University for 30 years before retiring. Later, he worked as a deputy at the Sumter County Sheriff's Department for 15 years, taking on a variety of     responsibilities throughout his tenure. Known affectionately as "Highway" while serving at the sheriff's department, Irwin made a lasting impact on those he met and worked with. One of his signature sayings was, "Yes indeed."

Irwin was a devoted deacon and a hardworking family man who lived his life grounded in his faith in God. He was committed to serving his country, his community, and his family. His life reflected his belief in the importance of family unity, and he instilled in his children the values of  unconditional love and perseverance. Irwin cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was respected for his strength, leadership, and unwavering dedication. His deep love for the church and his commitment to mentoring others were hallmarks of his life.

Irwin Rutherford, Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, his "sweetie pooh," Mrs. Beatrice Rutherford, and their seven children: Mrs. Tammy (Daniel) Middleton of Americus, GA; Ms. Maria Rutherford of Americus, GA; Mr. Sherwin Rutherford of Americus, GA; Mrs. Priscilla (Gregory) West of Americus, GA; Ms. Farrah Rutherford of Americus, GA; Mr. Eric Rutherford of Americus, GA; and Mr. Irwin Rutherford Jr. of Warner Robins, GA.

He is survived by his bonus daughter/granddaughter, Mrs. Sierra (Marcus) Harvey of Americus, GA, and fifteen grandchildren: Mr. Sherwin Rutherford Jr. of Dublin, GA; Ms. Jala Baisden of Albany, GA; SrA, Ms. Ariel West of Newport News, VA (Langley Air Force Base); Ms. Tameria Rutherford of Augusta, GA; Mr. Eric Rutherford Jr. of Texas; Mr. Daniel Demetrius   Jordan Middleton of Americus, GA; Ms. Kennedy Rutherford of Warner Robins, GA; Ms. Makayla Rutherford of Warner Robins, GA; Ms. Danielle Middleton of Americus, GA; Ms. Aaliyah West of Americus, GA; Ms. Kamirah West of Americus, GA; Ms. Deovion West of Americus, GA; Ms. Nykeria Gibson of Perry, GA; and Ms. Kadeejah Gibson of Perry, GA. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Ms. Tykeria Harvey; Mr. Marcus Harvey Jr.; Mr. Kova Middleton; Ms. Kade Rutherford; Ms. Khloe Rutherford; Ms. Kaylee Rutherford; Ms. Journee T. Rayton; Mr. Armani D. Powell Jr.; Ms. Kaziah Moore; and Ms. Paisley West.

Irwin is also survived by his siblings: Rev. Homer (Marilyn) Rutherford of Orange, NJ; Ms. Anne Barnum of Jacksonville, FL; Ms. Doris McKnight of McDonough, GA; Pastor Linda (Sr. Pastor Mathis) Wright of Cobb, GA; Mr. Roy Rutherford of Americus, GA; Mr. Theodore (Kimberly) Rutherford of Warner Robins, GA; Ms. Shirley Meeks of Charlotte, NC; Mr. Willie Smith of     Atlanta, GA; and Mr. Felton Smith of Charlotte, NC.; his sisters-in-law: Ms. Annie Irene Rutherford of McDonough, GA; Ms. Rosa Rutherford of Americus, GA; Mr. Albert "Luke" (Thelma) Harris of Americus, GA; Mr. Jessie (Brenda) Tyson of Americus, GA; Ms. Patricia Tyson Robinson of Americus, GA; and Mr. Marvin "Bo" Mency of Americus, GA. Irwin is also survived by a special cousin, Ms. Bobbie Mitchell, as well as his devoted caregivers, Ms. Janaya Davis and Mr. Al Waymon, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Irwin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.