James Kenneth Rutledge, 87, of Dover, passed from this life on Friday, November 14, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Kenneth was born December 31, 1937, at Dillon, to James Clyde and Stella Elizabeth Shook Rutledge.

He attended school at Fort Douglas School until the 8th grade, then attended Dover Schools beginning in 1952.   He played basketball in high school and graduated in 1956, from Dover High School.  He married Miss Mary Sue "Sudie" Lay on October 19, 1962, at Dover and was married 57 years, before her passing in 2020.  He worked for the United States Forest Service, at the Hector Work Center, retiring in 1986, after 26.5 years.  He enjoyed deer hunting, baling hay, visiting with whoever stopped by, and telling everyone what to do.  He particularly enjoyed the Forest Service Retiree Reunions.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant brother; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Although Kenneth and Sudie never had children of their own, he leaves behind many nephews, nieces, in-laws, and cousins.

They helped raise their great-nephew, Phillip (Rachel) Collie II of Harrison, and were like grandparents to his sons, Conner and Carson, who affectionately knew them as "Grand Dad" and "Mimi."

Kenneth is also survived by nephews and nieces, Renee (Eddie) Nelson, Billy (Kim) Anderson, and Tanya (Roger) Lee of Dover—jokingly and lovingly known as "The Original Three." Kenneth and Sudie loved them, their children, and their grandchildren as if they were their own.

He is further survived by two brothers-in-law, Paul Lay of Russellville and Roger (Sue) Lay of Dover; three sisters-in-law, Ina Delle Cloud, Ila Jean Anderson, and Jo Ann Owens, all of Dover; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Rest Haven Memorial Park with the Rev. Phillip C. Collie II officiating under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Standridge, Dr. Robert Thulby, John David Farrell, Michael LaGrone, and Steve Osborn. As well as former co-workers of the U.S. Forest Service.

Visitation will be on Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

The family extends a special thank you to Kenneth's caregiver, Cora Palmer, for her care and kindness; to his primary caregiver, Tanya Lee; to Arkansas Hospice nurse, Megan; to CNAs Harlea and Candi; and to Care IV Home Health nurse, Lara Ward.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 222 John Babish Lane, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.