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Donald Earl Rutland 68 passed away from this life to his heavenly home surrounded by his family November 3,2020. He was born to C.P. Rutland and Dorothy Rutland January 27,1952 in rural Pike County. Being the only son of four siblings, Donald learned responsibility at an early age. As a young man he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Soon to start a career at Sears and Roebuck as a service man. To then move on to his life long career as an oilfield worker, in which took him overseas and away from his family. Many called him Duck during these years. This was an emotional occupation, for it caused long periods of time away from his family, missed holidays and birthdays and many more, but this provided for his wife and three children. Upon retirement from the oilfield he and his wife drove Cross Country as a team driver for over 16 years.
His passion in life was hunting, fishing and to plant a garden for a small village. Teaching all his children and grandchildren his passion. Donald also shared a passion for his years of being a Shriner and his years in the Masonic Lodge of Braxton. He was known for his smile and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He never met a stranger.
Teaching his children Donald, Tracey and Henry a strong work ethic was very important to him. There was no such thing as calling into work. He made sure even when times were hard, they always saw him work to provide for his family without complaint.
Later in life his biggest JOY was his grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren. Noah Millis and Clayton Millis stole his heart from day one. McKenzie Higgins and our precious soon to be Raeleigh Kate Millis.
He is proceeded in death by his Parents C.P. Rutland and Dorothy Rutland, and his Sister Patsy Rutland; son Donald Gene Rutland; grandson Donald Christopher Rutland; great grandson Levi Higgins; two brother-in-law’s, Marvin Moak and Buddy Walley; mother-in-law, Bobbye Dalhart.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years Jerry Ann Rutland. Daughter Tracey Rutland Floyd of Harrisville, Son Henry Rutland and Wife Tonya of Harrisville. Grandchildren: Cashell Higgins, Patrick McMillon, Meagan Millis and husband Andrew, Matthew Rutland and wife Ashlynn, Tiffany Rutland, Jeremy McMillon and wife Lanee, Amber Nicole Rutland, Anthony Floyd and Taylor, Ethan McMillon and Breanna, Brett Rutland and Summer and Chris Floyd. He is also survived by his two sisters Lindell Walley of Texas and Dorothy Moak of Raymond. Along with a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Countyline Baptist Church, 3059 Countyline Road, Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The burial will follow at Palestine Cemetery, 2453 Palestine Road, Raymond, Mississippi.
Bro. Jimmy Errington will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall will be in charge of arrangements.
