J.W. Rutledge of Covington, died November 8, 2010, at the age of 63. He was born in Porterdale, to the late Dean and Blondine (Hay) Rutledge, and attended Newton County High School, where he was a member of the state championship basketball team in 1964. Mr. Rutledge was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served at Ft. Gordon helping returning Vietnam veterans adjust to civilian life. He taught at Newton High for 8 years, before continuing in administration as both the vocational supervisor and head principal, for a total of 32 years. Mr. Rutledge was a very active member of Covington Elks Lodge #1806, having served as both Past Exalted Ruler and Past State Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Mr. Rutledge was a member of Covington First United Methodist Church, and enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Dean Rutledge.

Survivors include his wife, Becky Rutledge; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Jerry Elmore, all of Covington; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Leigh Rutledge of Mansfield; 3 grandchildren, William, River, and Nancy Rutledge; sisters and brother-in-law, Karen Fincher of Oxford, Rita and Lynn Arnold of Loganville, Shirley Phelps of Monroe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Cheryl Rutledge, Brad and Renee Rutledge, all of Covington; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Rutledge will be held Thursday, November 11, 2010, 2:00 PM, at Covington First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Douglas Gilreath and Rev. Gail Thompson officiating, and interment following in the City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Wednesday, November 10, from 6-9 PM. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Covington BPOE Lodge #1806, c/o Newton High School Scholarships, P.O. Box 587, Covington, GA 30015.