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.
