SEARCY — Franklin Douglas “Doug” Rutledge,

son of the late William Arthur and Juana McBride Rutledge was born on June 29, 1942, in Boles, Arkansas. Doug entered his Heavenly home on January 1, 2022, at the age of 79.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Amelia “Amy” Rutledge of Searcy, Arkansas, three daughters: Belinda Rutledge Walker (Johnny Ragsdale), Lisa Rutledge Goff (Michael), Audra Michelle “Mikki” Hamilton (John) all of Searcy, Arkansas. Son: Edwin Dale Rutledge (Ross Maestas) of Seattle, Washington, and his nephew, Michael Rutledge (Dana) of Paragould, Arkansas, who was more like his son. Four grandchildren: Bethany Walker (Nicholas) of Little Rock; Langley Marie Goff, John David Hamilton, and James Douglas “Jim” Hamilton all of Searcy. Special grandnieces, Samantha Rutledge of Jonesboro and Andrea Rutledge of Mountain View.

Doug was the middle son from a large farming family of 14 children. He is survived by brothers: Larry Rutledge (Bonnie) of Olatha, Kansas, and Ronald Rutledge (Lynn) of Searcy, Arkansas. Sisters: Dorothy Thieme of Searcy, Joann Bryan of Marianna, Arvetta Schlieve of Sunnyside, Washington and Mary Vincent of Southaven, Mississippi. He was loved by so many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and wanted the song Precious Memories played for them.

As a Rutledge, card playing was in his blood and a game of high-five was always looked forward to. Brothers who greeted him with an open seat at the heavenly table were Frances Rutledge, Edward “Bodie” Rutledge, William J. “Bill” Rutledge, and Kenneth Rutledge. Sisters who awaited his arrival were Irene Herron, Lorene Mitchell, and Linda Hill, along with his parents.

A Celebration of the life of Franklin Douglas “Doug” Rutledge, our Doug, Pawpaw and Uncle Doug will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Union Valley Baptist Church in Beebe, Arkansas. Visitation prior to the service will begin at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross or a blood donation through the Arkansas Blood Institute or American Red Cross. We were humbled by the need for blood during his illness and encourage everyone to become a blood donor. Disaster Relief Arkansas through the Southern Baptist Convention is also a passion of his. He was trained as a volunteer but was never able to serve due to his health. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.