Charles Rutland

Charles Edgar Rutland, retired Sgt., 80, of Blytheville, died Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the V.A. Hospital in Memphis of multiple myeloma.

He was born May 5, 1935 in Cherokee, Ala., the fourth of the five siblings born to Lester Rutland, Sr. and Elvira Burton Rutland.

Charles was a graduate of Alabama Public Schools. He affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church denomination, and he is still a member. Even though he never gave up membership at his childhood church in Cherokee, he joined Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Blytheville, where he became treasurer and served until his death. Often he said that "becoming a part of the family at Bethel was one of the best decisions that he ever made in his entire life."

He joined the United States Air Force and gladly dedicated 21 years with courage, pride, and excellent commitment. His assignments took him to many duty stations throughout the United States and abroad, including Vietnam.

In 1969, he married Mary Bogan and they were blessed with a son, Bruce Charles.

After his retirement, he worked as a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance company. He coached Little League Baseball and served on the board of the Junior Babe Ruth League.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Elvira Rutland, sisters Ella Louise Gray and Nell Ealters, and brother, Lester, Jr.

Survivors are his wife, Mary, of the home;

One son, Bruce Charles (Amanda) Rutland;

One daughter, Barren Charlean;

A sister, Vivian Jasper of Iuka, Miss.;

Grandchildren, Alexis and Andrew Rutland, LaDarren and LaCharren Rutland;

An uncle, Robert Barton; and

Other relatives and friends.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 600 E. McHaney. Visitation begins at noon and services begin at 2 p.m. Rev. Odale Jones, Pastor and Rev. Emmanuel Lofton, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Cherokee C.M.E. Church Cemetery in Cherokee on Friday, March 18 at noon.

Arrangements are by McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.