Claude H. Rutherford

Claude H. Rutherford, 78, formerly of Galax, Va., peacefully passed away on April 25, 2012, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, surrounded by family. His faith in Jesus Christ brought great comfort to his family.

He was born on December 20, 1933, to the late Curtis and Annie Rutherford of Galax, Virginia. Claude was a 1951 graduate of Galax High School and Virginia Tech in 1960 with a degree in electrical engineering. He also served in the US Army for two years. Claude worked as an electrical engineer for Hercules, Virginia Chemical Company, and Celenese in Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina. He retired to Fries, Virginia, where he farmed and was an active member of Ebenezer Methodist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of sixty years, Phyllis Black Rutherford, of Gulf Shores, Ala., Michael Allen Rutherford and wife Danette of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Susan Rutherford Carter and husband Michael of Gulf Shores, Ala.; grandchildren, Tracy Heyer, Paige Carter, Garrett Carter, Michael Rutherford, Jr., Allison Rutherford, Emily Rutherford, Bennett Rutherford; great grandchildren, Sarah and Leah Heyer; sister, Nell Bartlett and husband Bill of Galax, Va., and sister-in-law, Onita Black, of Fries, Va.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Fries United Methodist Church with Rev. Lee Thomas and Rev. Gloria Rhudy officiating. Interment to follow in Fries Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, April 30, 2012, at Fries United Methodist Church.

Flowers may be sent to Maberry Funeral Home until noon on Monday April 30, 2012, or to Fries United Methodist Church, located at 629 Church St., which will be open after 12 noon for delivery.