David Rutherford

ETOWAH — Rev. David Rutherford, 71, of Etowah, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. Born on Aug. 29, 1945 in Sullivan County to the late Rev. Bob and Brooksie Nell Crockarell Rutherford. He had spent the majority of his life in McMinn County. He worked for many years at Athens Table Company, United Grocery Outlet and IGA and was the longtime pastor of the Athens Church of the Nazarene. David loved fishing and hunting and most of all spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife whom he called his “million dollar gold piece”, JoAnn Riddle Rutherford; children, Wayne Rutherford and wife, Priscilla, of Reliance, Paula Rutherford Davis and husband, Jerry, of East Ridge, and Chris Rutherford, and wife, Judi, of Greenback; precious grandchildren, Sam Davis, Emalea Williams, Eva Rutherford, and Wade Davis; brother, Rev. Stephen Rutherford and wife, Karen, of Greenville; twin sister, Rebecca Stout Ainley and husband John, of Tullahoma; and sister, Esther Campbell, of Tullahoma. Several nieces, nephews and other extended family and loving church family also survive. A celebration of life and Homegoing for Rev. David Rutherford will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at the Athens Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor David Reynolds and Pastor Mike Parker officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at Serenity Funeral Home and from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Resource Agency of McMinn or The Athens Church of the Nazarene Building fund. We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.serenityfunerals.com Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.