Charles E. “Chuck” Rutland Sr., 80, of Lithia, FL funeral service is 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33569 with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home form 6:00 PM until service time.
Chuck was born on August 29, 1931 and entered Heaven on August 24, 2012. A native of Tifton, Georgia and a local resident since 1950, Chuck was a retired union sheet metal worker, a Baptist and a real estate entrepreneur. He loved working with plants in his yard. He served his country in the US Army Artillery and was a Korean War Veteran, having served at “Heart Bridge Ridge”, “Jokers Pass” and the “Punch Bowl”.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents: mother Berma Dollar Rutland and his father, Charlie Robert Rutland; son, Charles E. Rutland Jr.; and brothers, Pete Rutland, Lloyd Rutland, Earl Rutland and Elton Rutland.
He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Carol Highsmith and her husband, Joe of Tampa, FL; step-son, Brett Brooks of Hilton, VA; brother, Gene Rutland and his wife, Mary of Lutz, FL; two sisters, Mildred Perry of Moultrie, GA and Pearl Barfield of Avon Park, FL; four grandchildren; Joseph W. Highsmith Jr. and his wife, Kelly, Dr. M. Jason Highsmith and his wife, Kim, Dr. James Highsmith and his wife, Leslie, and Jessica West; eight great grandchildren: Sheridan, Emily, Lance, and Katie Highsmith, Savanah West, Toby, Miles, and Trever Highsmith.
Chuck is also survived by his extended family and many cherished friends. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Richard and Dawn Land.
Please sign the guestbook below and send all floral arrangements directly to the funeral home, prior to services.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
My sincere condolences to the family.
Daddy,
I miss you sooo much. You were my hero! I thank the Lord above for the opportunity that I had to tell you I loved you and that I was with you when you were greeted at heavens shore by your loving son, Chuck. I know you will be well taken care of. You were always there for me whatever I needed, but your gentleness and patience was a virtue that always let me know you loved me too. Thank you for all the wonderful lifetime memories that I have; I will need them to draw strength from to get me through this. It’s so like you to know just what I needed. Love and Hugs Always, “your baby girl”
He was a wonderful man and a friend to me. Unconditional love. Confidant. There will never be a love like his.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Knew him as my Uncle Eddie Rutland. GOD BLESS
My dearest
My dearest Chuck,I will keep you in my heart forever and treasure all our times together over the last twenty four years, love to you forever.
Edward, my quiet, loving, Brother
as you go to meet the others,
There’s comfort in knowing,
That God will take your hand,
and we’ll see each other again,
When we all live in Heavens Land.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family…
you are in my prayers, it is a hard thing to do to loose our parents. God be with you.
My condolences to you and your family
Chuck, I did not realize I met you almost 24 years ago. You were special to JoeAnn and I enjoyed every dinner with you when came to my house, and the other times we saw each other. May you RIP and know you will not be forgotten.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. XXXOOO
Carol our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period and time in your life. We care and love you very much. Eddie was not only my brother in law; he as well was a great person. He was man among men. He was a great father, husband and a friend among friends. We will truly miss him. May our Heavenly Father God and our Lord Jesus bless you. He is in our creator’s hands now. The old corruptible has been removed and the incorruptible has been replaced in body and spirit.
Aunt Linda, Uncle Danny and family
Our condolences to all of Chuck’s family. He brought joy to our family when he attended many functions and celebrations with Joe Ann. “One of a Kind” is just the right description for him. His kindness, concern for others and interesting stories set him apart. We will miss seeing and talking with him but do know he is in a wonderful place free of all pain and suffering.
He is gone but will not be forgotten.
God Bless those he leaves behind.
Chuck I am gonna miss you. I remember alwayswhen you came half way across Korea,with an old rusty Chinese pistol and three bullets. We spent your birthday August 29 1952 in a bomb dump.That was sixty years ago to the date. Thank you for being my brother I love you dearly. Gene.
chuck,I miss you so much. Not only have i lost you,but i have lost a true friend. You were there for me through so much, and i thank you for all the knowledge and advice that you gave me.One day we will meet agin. Until that day comes you will be in my heart, always and forever.