Douglas Eugene Rutledge, 54
November 9, 1971 – January 15, 2026
Douglas Eugene Rutledge, known to most simply as Doug, departed this earthly life and entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany.
Funeral services celebrating the life of this good man will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church in Etta, Ms with Bro. Jeff Lawrence officiating. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Doug will be laid to rest in the church cemetery, with no graveside service to follow.
Born on November 9, 1971, in Oxford,Ms. Doug was the son of the late Will D. and Martha Sue (Potts) Rutledge. He received his education at West Union Attendance Center and spent the majority of his working life as a mechanic, a trade well suited to his hardworking nature and ability to fix just about anything. Leaving behind, Christy (Todd) Rutledge, wife of 31 years, together they planted deep roots in the Union County community, raising their family.
Doug could best be described as a true good ol’ boy. He found his greatest joy in the outdoors whether fishing, hunting, riding side-by-sides, or simply being surrounded by God’s creation. Yet above all else, his greatest love was his family. To his grandchildren, their Poppa was everything, and to Doug, they meant the world. He was their storyteller, protector, and best friend. They cherished his hugs and always felt a sense of happiness, comfort, and love whenever they were in his presence.
Though Doug’s earthly presence will be deeply missed, we do not grieve without hope. Today, we find comfort in knowing that he has been completely healed riding side-by-sides down Heaven’s golden streets, hunting the most beautiful outdoors he has ever seen, and experiencing a joy beyond anything this life could offer. That blessed assurance brings peace to our hearts, as we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him again in paradise.
In addition to his wife of thirty one years, Mrs. Christy, memories will continue to be cherished by three children, Sabrina Grace Rutledge, Douglas Grant Rutledge (Chelsea), and Troy Frank Rutledge, seven grandchildren, Raelynn Brewer, Kaylee Rutledge, Paisley Brewer, Bentlee Rutledge, Everett Brewer, Lynnlee Rutledge, and Weslee Rutledge, his mother in law, Brenda Todd (David), and two brothers, Terry Potts (Cindy), and Brandon Rutledge, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He was also preceded in death by one brother, Brian Rutledge, his father-in-law, Wayne Todd Sr, and his brother-in-law, Wayne Todd Jr.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Adam Coffey, Johnathon Gordon, Kyle Grahm, Anthony Brewer, Jessie Killough, and Colton Killough, along with grandsons serving as honorary pallbearers.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care invite you to share memories with Doug’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Friday
January 16, 2026
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Bethel Baptist Church
Etta, MS 38627
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Funeral Service
Saturday
January 17, 2026
1:00 PM
Bethel Baptist Church
Etta, MS 38627
