of Batesville, AR
January 23, 1937 - February 18, 2025
Max Wayne Rutledge, 88, of Batesville, Arkansas passed away February 18, 2025. He was born January 23, 1937 in Huff, Arkansas to Arch Franklin (A. F. ''Nick'') and Myrtle Swaim Rutledge.
A 1955 graduate of Pleasant Plains High School, Max served as a Batesville City Councilman, owned Rutledge & Daughters Tractor Company and retired after several years as Road Foreman for the Independence County Road Department. By far, his favorite pastimes included raising cattle on the family farm on Salado Creek, taking his children, grandchildren and the Calvary Baptist Youth for hayrides, watching westerns and listening to gospel music. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for almost 50 years where he happily served as an usher.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Linda Wright Rutledge of Batesville, Arkansas; two daughters, Cecelia (Dennis) Wilson of Jordan, Arkansas and Angie (Jackie) Stevens of Little Rock, Arkansas; two sisters, Patsy Sharp of Batesville, Arkansas and Shirley Gould of Avinger, Texas; four nephews and two nieces. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Cody (Francesca) Wilson of Austin, Texas, Cheyenne (Paul) Morgan of Jordan, Arkansas, Haley (Patrick) Brown of Birmingham, Alabama and Cassidy Stevens also of Birmingham, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, Manon and Max Morgan, Josephine Wilson and (soon-to-premiere) Sophie Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Lee Dickey and Doris Virginia Rutledge and three brothers, Jerry Don Rutledge, Evon Rutledge and Jackie Craig Rutledge.
The family would like to thank the staff of White River Medical Center of Batesville as well as Gail Harmon, Niecey, Nance and Terri for the excellent care and compassion provided during Max's stay in the hospital.
The funeral will be officiated by Bro. Dennis Wilson and Bro. Randy Scott and will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, Batesville, Arkansas preceded by visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers are Cody Wilson, Jackie Stevens, Paul Morgan, Patrick Brown, Ronnie Brooks, Denver Huskey and Ken Ray.
Honorary Pallbearers are Eddie Winn and the Men's Fellowship Class of Calvary Baptist Church
Special music by Pianist Mike Foster, Cecelia Wilson and Angie Stevens and Larry Poff.
Sign Guestbook
32 Condolence(s)
Jan Burrow Qualls
Monday, March 3, 2025
Sending my thoughts and prayers ..
Paul D. Barrett
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Linda, Cecelia, Angie, and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I have lots of fond memories of going to church with all of you. Max and Charles Taylor always made sure no one left without a smile on their face. I'll be praying for you all in the coming days.
Anita and Laverne
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Even though I missed the services honoring Uncle Max, since I was transporting his great-great-nephews back to their parents, I rememered him lovingly and Aunt Linda. Laverne and Dorothy send their condolences.
Suzy Taylor Oakley
Monday, February 24, 2025
Linda, Cecelia, Angie and families:
I have no doubt Max is already making St. Peter and the other apostles double over in stitches with his antics. That said, it may be heaven's gain but I know your sense of loss is profound. My heart is with you as you grieve, and I regret that I can't make it to the funeral. Angie, it would be good to see your and your family, but maybe someday under happier circumstances. Love to you all.
Suzy and Bruce Oakley
Dan and Vicki Reed
Monday, February 24, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for you all.
Pam Wyatt
Monday, February 24, 2025
Linda,Cecelia,&Angie I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Mike Foster
Monday, February 24, 2025
Linda, Cecilia, Angie and family. I'll never forget all of the wonderful times we had together. Max was one- of- a- kind! May the Lord give you comfort.
Mike Lisa, Dorla & family
Dwane Thompson
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Cecelia and family, sorry for your loss. I knew Max for many years, he was a fine man and will be missed by all,
Linda Jobe
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Linda, my thoughts and Prayers are with you during this heart breaking time. May Our Loving Heavenly Father Hold and Comfort you and the family....
Janie Starnes
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Many prayers of comfort for you all.
Gerald and Tami Ramey
Saturday, February 22, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for God’s comfort for you all
Mary Snapp Matthews
Friday, February 21, 2025
Linda, Cecilia, Angie & all grands & all family,
I know a few people that were right there waiting to shake Max's hand. My Daddy Reece & Jerry I know we're among many, I'm sure. Linda, I hope you know I think of you & Max & it puts such a smile on my face. NOW this seems so unreal! Being so far away, I can't believe I won't make it to his service Monday. I wish I could hug you tight. I love you & am thinking of you & your kids & grands! Love & Prayers.
Jo Stroud
Friday, February 21, 2025
Linda, Cecelia, and Angie I am so sad for you. I pray God will just wrap you in his arms of comfort and peace. Max was a special person and brought joy where ever he went. He will certainly be missed.
Betty Cockrill
Friday, February 21, 2025
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear about Max. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. You and your family have always been special people. Hugs and lots of prayers in the coming days.
Jim & Kathi Bergemann
Friday, February 21, 2025
Cecelia, so sorry to hear this sad news. Your dad was always a joy to be around, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Sparrow
Friday, February 21, 2025
Prayers for the Families.
Janet Tosh and Bill Estes
Friday, February 21, 2025
Bill and I are very sorry for your loss. I knew Max from working at Citizens many many years ago and Bill just knew people. Sooo many good people I've known throughout my life. Prayers to all the family.
Jerry Holmes
Friday, February 21, 2025
Our prayers are with the family. Sure thought a lot of Max, always loved our visits at the Salebarn.
Laura Martin
Friday, February 21, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Vestal
Friday, February 21, 2025
Cecelia and family, I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. My prayers and condolences
To all of you. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort.
Love,
Jane Vestal
Alan Vickery
Thursday, February 20, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Stacy Rutledge Jones
Thursday, February 20, 2025
I am praying for you Linda and the entire family. Hugs to each of you. Max was always so nice.
Frances Pearson
Thursday, February 20, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, and love for this difficult time .
God Bless you all !
Sharon/Paul Strecker
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Linda, Cecilia, Angie. We are so sorry to hear about Max, but know that he was a God fearing man. He will be missed, but you all have wonderful memories, hold on to them and find comfort in knowing that you have an angel watching over you. We love you all.
Paul and Sharon
Shayne Gaither
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Cecilia and Angie, I’m very sorry for your loss. I have much love and respect for your parents. Prayers for comfort.
Karen Thomas
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Max. You and the family are in my prayers.
kevin and Robin harvey
Thursday, February 20, 2025
jackie and Angie we are so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Many prayers for you all!
Brian and Sherry Allender
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Linda, Cecilia and Angie, we are so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. We will be praying for your family.
Paula Rutledge
Thursday, February 20, 2025
I was so sad to learn of this news. Linda, Cecelia and Angie, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace.
Jean Lindsey
Thursday, February 20, 2025
So very to hear of Your loss love you Pat and Candi
Carolyn Matheny Wammack
Thursday, February 20, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about Max. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Bill Campbell
Thursday, February 20, 2025
We are sorry for your loss. Karen and I are praying for your family.