William John Rutledge, 73, Birch Tree, Missouri was born on September 3, 1947, the son of Elree and Laverne (Grandstaff) Rutledge. He passed away on August 16, 2021, at Mercy St. Francis Hospital, Mountain View, Missouri.

He was united in marriage to Lena Mae Harris on April 13, 1967, in Mountain View, MO. To this union three sons were born, William, Jr., Michael, and Elvis.

Will is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lena Mae Rutledge; three sons, Willie Rutledge of Birch Tree, Michael Don Rutledge (Janet) of Birch Tree, and Elvis Ozene Rutledge of Birch Tree; four brothers, Larry Ozene Rutledge (Patty) of Summersville, MO, Roy Taylor Rutledge of Birch Tree, Jackson Dee Rutledge (Patricia) of Birch Tree, and Earnest Alexander Rutledge (Lynda) of Birch Tree; two sisters, Carol Lucille Beavers of Oxford, AR and Jewell Ellen Utchman of Clarkridge, AR; and six grandchildren, Dustin Rutledge (Holli) of Birch Tree, Samantha Rutledge (Ryan) of Winona, MO, Corey Rutledge (Devay) of Mountain View, MO, Sage Smith of Willow Springs, MO, Emilee Rutledge of Mountain View, MO, and Jackson McClendon, Mountain View, MO; six great-grandchildren, Riddick, Quinn, Gaitlyn, Locklyn, Hudson, and Liam; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elree and Laverne Rutledge; and three sisters, Evelyn Lucille Pruett, Margaret Landis, and Moreen Fox.

Will was a "Jack of all Trades", but he mostly worked as a logger and carpenter. He was a member of Turkey Oak Church. Will enjoyed life whether he was deer hunting, playing pitch, watching the race, or just watching his chickens.

He loved his wife, boys, grandchildren, and everyone he knew. His whole family had lots of good memories with him, and he will be dearly missed and talked about for many years.

Graveside services will be held Friday, August 27, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Forest Cemetery in Birch Tree, Missouri with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.