Gary Rutherford

Gary Douglas Rutherford, age 68, a native and resident for 66 years, of Texarkana, Texas, residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, left to be with his Lord on April 27, 2016. He was the son of the late Lois Rutherford Harris and William Thomas "Bill" Rutherford. He was retired from Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant after over 46 years of service. It was there he met many co-workers who would become lifelong friends including his dearest friends, Dean and Debbie Day. He was a member of Wake Village Baptist Church, having served as a Deacon, teacher and friend to all. His pastor and friend, Scott Neatherly, referred to Gary as his own children's' other Dad. He is survived by his sister, Gloria Rutherford Tutt and her husband, David Tutt along with numerous nieces and nephews each who thought they were his favorite. Many friends' children called him their "uncle" as he shared his life with them creating lasting memories. One special young man, Kolton Kimball, grew up spending time playing on Uncle Gary's computer or just hanging out. Gary never met a stranger without saying hello and striking up a conversation even if only about the weather. He was never in too big a hurry to stop and help wherever he saw a need. A man of modest needs, he was always ready to step in to help others. Gary spent sixteen years on the liver transplant list and relocated to Baton Rouge where he became a patient of Oschner's transplant group. It was while waiting for a new liver and kidney that Gary suffered a fall resulting in a brain hemorrhage from which there was no return. Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Bernice Rutherford Timmons and her husband, Earl Timmons Sr., his brother, William Thomas "Tommy" Rutherford, Jr. and his nephew, Earl Ray Timmons, Jr. Honoring his wishes of being a donor followed by cremation, in lieu of a funeral, Gary wanted each friend to celebrate his life by becoming an organ donor on his behalf so others would not have to wait so many years for an organ they needed. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Wake Village, 820 Wake Ave, Wake Village Texas, 75501.