Rufus Ault

KNOXVILLE — Rufus Dean Ault, 95, a resident of Knoxville, Tenn., went to be with Lord on Jan. 15, 2019, and began playing an instrument with the Heavenly band. He dearly loved his family, his country, and the Great Smoky Mountains. He was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. His love for music was prevalent throughout his life as he played clarinet in the orchestra while growing up in the First Christian Church in Rockwood, Tenn., played in the band during his Army infantry service throughout Europe during World War II with the 26th Yankee Division in General Patton’s Third Army, played in the UT Marching Band, and played in various senior orchestras in the Chattanooga area during his retirement. After returning from the war, he graduated from the University of Tennessee and was married for 67 years to the love of his life, Marian Peterman Ault. He retired as an electrical engineer from Tennessee Valley Authority in 1988 and enjoyed his retirement with his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Rufus W. Ault; mother, Ethel Baldwin Ault; and brother, Melvin Bruce Ault. He is survived by his wife, Marian Peterman Ault; daughter, Joy Hodges and husband, Rudy; son, Brian and wife Donna; granddaughter, Taylor Ault and fiancé Austin Seay; nephew, Randy Ault; great-nephew, Jay Ault. In his later years, he was cared for by family and the loving staff at Ben Atchley TN State Veterans Home where he gained many new veteran friends. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ben Atchley for their loving care and friendship. We will always be grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ben Atchley TN State Veterans Home Activities Department, One Veterans Way, Knoxville, TN 37931. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, from noon until 2 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary in Rockwood, Tenn. The procession to the graveside at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood will follow the funeral service. An online register is available at www.evansmortuary.biz Evans Mortuary of Rockwood, TN is serving the family of Rufus Dean Ault.