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Obituary For Presiding Elder Johnny B. Rutledge
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 grandchildrenβVertaio 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.
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Add A CondolenceTo Sis. Patricia and family, Elder Rutledge was a great man of God. Elder answered our call when my sister Cookie transitioned and delivered the eulogy. I was saddened when I heard he wasn't doing well and even more saddened to hear he was no longer here. Sending prayers for comfort, strength and peace to you, your family and the entire Rutledge family. Isaiah 26:3. ππ½βοΈππ½π€πΉ
I was fortunate to have SFC Rutledge as my NCOIC When we worked at the 1207th hospital at ft Benning he was always full of joy and he taught me many things I learned a lot from him and I thanked him for the things he taught me may God bless his family and I thanked him for all the great times we shared together
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal; my heartfelt condolences family.
my condolences.
"For all the times you stood by me" Sending peace and love β€οΈ
Pat may God add comfort to you and the girls during this difficult time Liz Morris
Sending my condolences and prayer of Comfort to family ππ
My condolences to the family and my prayers are with you all. Ricky from Johns Chapel Enterprise AL
Sending my heartfelt prayers and condolences to the to the family of Elder Rutledge πΊ
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I served with Elder Rutledge as member of the St. John A.M. E. Church Pastor's Aid Member and Choir Member. I followed him to many church to perform representative of St.John while he conducted services. I will always love miss hearing his voice. Rest In Heaven Champion Of Truth.
Louise and Alethia, I extend my deepest condolences.π₯Ίπ€
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this time of sorrow is my prayer. Victoria Alexander
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To Sister Patricia and family, It is our prayer that God will bless you with peace, comfort , strength, and understanding during these difficult days. Presiding Elder Rutledge touched so many lives and his legacy shall continue to be a testimony to the joy, laughter, and positive impact he had on the lives of so many people. You all stay encouraged knowing that some day we shall see him again. May the Lord bless each of you always and keep you in His care. Love and Prayers, Ford and Nathan Families
Sending condolences and prayers to the Rutledge family. He was one of my amazing teachers in Elementary School at Pittsview Jr. High School in the 70s. I also had the pleasure of seeing him in recent years as Presiding Elder.
Condolences & prayers to the Rutledge Family from Bethel AME Church, Hartford, AL.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Presiding Elder Rutledge during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed in this community. Respectfully,
Condolences to the Rutledge family during this time. May God be the source of your strength now and the days to come.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Rutledge family. Mr. Rutledge was such a sweet man and he will be missed.
Elder Rutledge,
You left footprints so deep that time can never erase them. Your life touched countless hearts, and your legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you for your wisdom, your faith, and the love you shared with so many. May you rest in eternal peace. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished. ποΈπ
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Rip bro. Minter Rutledge will missed you. Calhoun family love you always my brother.
To Sis/Mrs.Ruthledge, I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to keep you in His care n give you peace, comfort, and strength during this most difficult time. With deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy. Much love β€οΈ many prayers ππΎ β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈππΎππΎππΎππΎπΉπΉπΉ Yours truly Country's Barbecue lady
Praying for the family May God give peace and comfort. The Sanders Family
Mrs. Rutledge and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray God comforts and gives you strength.
To my cousins Johnnie B. will truly be missed, I pray that God will wrap you with his arms of comfort and strength as you journey through this difficult time. Know that he has experienced his last trial and pain. RIH Johnnie B.
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To the Rutledge Family my condolences and keeping the family in my prayers for strength and comfort! Love the Flute Family!
My sincere condolences to the family, Praying for your strength in a difficult time like this π
I had the privilege of working with Johnny at CVCC. He was totally dedicated to the success and well-being of our students. May he now enjoy the rewards of a life well-lived.
I am sending my deepest condolences to The Rutledge Family πππ.
May God Grant the family peace and comfort during this time . Know that the SANKS family loves you all dearly !!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.