06/06/2025
It is with great sadness I share the passing of my dad.
Leroy Douglas Rutherford Sr.
August 4, 1934 - May 31, 2025
Leroy Douglas Rutherford Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 31, 2025, in Lee, Florida. He was born on August 4, 1934, to Edward and Dessie Bass Rutherford in Lee, Florida.
He attended Lee Elementary School and graduated from Madison High School in 1952. Leroy was a member of the first graduating class of North Florida Junior College in 1960, and he later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Valdosta State College in 1964.
Leroy began his career working in a local school grocery store before joining Tri-County Electric Cooperative, where he served in various roles over 44 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he was active in his community-serving with the Madison Lions Club and supporting several volunteer fire departments in Cherry Lake, Pinetta, and Lee, Florida, while with Lee Volunteer Fire Department, he served for 12 years as Secretary/ Treasurer. He also helped many people prepare and file their income tax returns, and he found joy in researching and sharing his family genealogy.
A man of deep faith and a gifted singer, Leroy sang in a gospel quartet for many years, known for his captivating bass voice. He and his wife were founding members of Faith Baptist Church in Madison, Florida. Leroy was ordained as a deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia, and also served as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church and Lee First Baptist Church. He frequently led music, sang in the choir, and served as church treasure
Leroy and his wife also operated the Coin-O- Magic Laundromat in Madison, Florida, which also served as the local Greyhound bus depot.
In his retirement, Leroy continued to give back to the community. He drove a school bus, ensuring children arrived safely to and from school, and he served as a representative for Woodmen of the World, Lodge 168. He was also deeply passionate about farming and gardening, especially when it came to growing and sharing onions and greens
Leroy married the love of his life, Alice Eloise Sevor, whom he met at First Baptist Church of Lee. Together they had three children: Martha Alice, his best friend, Leroy Douglas Jr.(Lori) of Lee, Fl and Darleen (Rob) Taylor of Crawfordville, Fl. He is also survived by his brother, Donnie (Ardys) Rutherford of Land O' Lakes, Fl, eight grandchildren: Bill (Stacy) Rutherford; Maria (Artie) Gilbert; Robin (Caleb) Crum; Kristina (Shane) Gilbert; Michelle (Josh) Burns; Samantha (Jordan) Turner; Sophia (Nick) Dowdy; and Zachary (Amanda) Salsgiver; and sixteen great-grandchildren: Gavin Bush, Shaylee Pearcy, Ava Bush, Mikey Pearcy, Hannah Gilbert, Garrett Gilbert, Deborah Rutherford, Parker Gilbert, Levi Gilbert, Connor Gilbert, Aaralyn Smith, Hadley Turner, Cameron Gilbert, Jace Burns, Carver Turner, and Nash Turner, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eloise Rutherford; his parents, Edward and Dessie Rutherford; his daughter, Martha Alice Rutherford; and his siblings, Leona (Jim) Powers and J.W. (Joyce) Rutherford. Leroy leaves a legacy of love and service that touched countless lives.
A celebration of Leroy's life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Lee First Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Macedonia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5539 US 90, Lee, Fl 32059
