Ernest "Ernie" Stanley Rutter

Ernest “Ernie” Stanley Rutter, age 73, Erwin, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and son of the late Everette and Bonnie Ashley Rutter.

Ernie was a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a National Defense Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star. Ernie drove a truck for the military before he retired in 1994.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Ernie was Past Commander of the Erwin VFW Post 5809. He enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, cars and watching the Jerry Springer Show. Ernie was a dedicated family man and he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-two years, Geneva Haynes Rutter on September 24, 2014; seven brothers and eight sisters.

Ernie leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters: Candice Dunbar (Mont) of Erwin, Michelle Blevins of Crossville, TN and Christy Sams of Elizabethton; three step-sons: Kenny, Edward and Michael Smith; eight grandchildren: Dalton Dunbar, Shawn Dunbar, Mason Dunbar, Tucker Green, Isabellia Cobb, Kenneth Collins, David Sams and Alex Garcia; five great grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Maynard; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Ernie’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reverend Jeff Autrey will officiate the 7:00 p.m. funeral service. Committal service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dalton Dunbar, Shawn Dunbar, Mason Dunbar, Tucker Green, Mont Dunbar and Mike Williams. Everyone is asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Rutter family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Rutter family. (423) 743-1380.

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