Presiding Elder Johnny B. Rutledge, 77, of Phenix City, AL passed Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at St. John A.M.E. Church, Ft. Mitchell, AL with Rev. Dr. Isaac Hudson, Pastor, officiating and Presiding Elder Eugene Marshall, eulogist. Public viewing will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday, August 10, 2026 at Taylor Funeral Home.

Rev. Johnny Rutledge was a native of the state of Alabama. He grew up in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, and later moved to Phenix City, Alabama, after graduating from college.

He was educated in the Russell County public school system and continued his education at Daniel Payne College and Alabama State University. He earned degrees in Elementary Education and Middle Grades Education, a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision, and completed additional studies in Leadership at the University of Alabama.

Rev. Rutledge accepted his call to the ministry in September 1989 and faithfully served the Lord throughout his life. He pastored several congregations, including Pleasant Grove AME Church in Seale, Alabama; Canaan AME Church in Seale, Alabama; Uchee Chapel AME Church; St. Luke AME Church in Opelika, Alabama; and St. John AME Church in Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

Wherever he was appointed to serve, Elder Rutledge sought to inspire spiritual growth and positive change in the hearts and minds of God's people. He led building projects, developed ministries, trained church officers, and helped strengthen the financial stability of the congregations he served.

In 2012, he was appointed to a higher level of service as Presiding Elder of the Tuskegee District, where he faithfully served for three years. In December 2015, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Ozark-Troy District in the Southeast Alabama Conference. During the 2020 Annual Conference, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Phenix City District in the Northeast Conference.

Beyond his pastoral ministry, Rev. Rutledge was deeply committed to serving his community. He served as Chaplain for the Russell County Jail and was a member of the Phenix City Personnel Review Board.

Rev. Rutledge also dedicated many years of service to education and to his country. He retired from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and the United States Army, leaving a legacy of faithful leadership, devoted service, and unwavering commitment to God, his family, his church, and his community.

For over seven decades, Rev. Johnny Rutledge walked through life with unwavering faith, a servant's heart, and a deep love for his family. On September 29, 1973, he united in Holy Matrimony with the love of his life, Patricia A. Rutledge. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, building a home rooted in love, faith, commitment, and God's grace. Their union was a beautiful example of devotion and steadfast partnership, touching the lives of all who knew them.

From this blessed union came two beloved daughters, Altovise J. Rutledge and Aislin R. Fleming, who were among his greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. As a father, Rev. Rutledge led not only by his words but by his example, teaching the values of faith, integrity, compassion, and perseverance.

His heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his grandchildren—Vertaio Wilson, Clyde Rutledge Fleming, and Amiyah N. Wilson. They brought immeasurable joy to his life, and he cherished every opportunity to encourage, guide, and celebrate them. His legacy of love, wisdom, and faith will continue to live on through each of them.

Rev. Rutledge also shared a lifelong bond with his siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory one devoted sister, Elma Howard, and two beloved brothers, James Rutledge (Jean Rutledge) and Jimmy Rutledge (Dorothy Rutledge). He was also a loving uncle to his nieces, Coretia Miller, Caterra Rutledge, and Alethea Howard, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Throughout his later years, Rev. Rutledge was blessed with the faithful companionship and compassionate care of his devoted caregiver, Morris Griggs. Morris served with unwavering loyalty, kindness, and dedication, providing not only exceptional care but also friendship, comfort, and steadfast support. The Rutledge family will forever be grateful for the love and selflessness he so generously shared.

Beyond his immediate family, Rev. Rutledge's life was enriched by a host of loving relatives, lifelong friends, fellow clergy, church members, and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Whether in the pulpit, in the community, or within his own family, he exemplified the love of Christ through his compassion, humility, and service.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the impact of Rev. Johnny Rutledge's life will continue to echo through the generations. His legacy is one of enduring faith, faithful service, unconditional love, and a life lived for the glory of God.

As the Apostle Paul declared in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Rev. Rutledge lived those words each day of his life, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.