Eugene Edward Rutherford was born April 23, 1936, to the late Marshall and Clara Bell Rutherford.  He was called home on March 4, 2025, while at UNC Health Blue Ridge hospital in Morganton, due to an extended illness.  Eugene began his schooling at the Rosenwald School, which was later named Corpening School.  He later graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1954.  On September 28, 1954, he enlisted into the United States Army, receiving a medal of honor and an honorable discharge in 1956.

Eugene was a faithful member of Corpening Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he held several offices such as superintendent of the Sunday School, trustee, steward, financial treasurer, youth leader, and choir member.  He loved his church and loved being a missionary for the Lord.  As an honorable husband and father, he was employed over the years with Pet Dairy, Great Lakes Carbon, as an insurance agent, and as a bus driver for Burke County Public Schools.  He also loved to work on cars, repair and build various items, and was known for his stylish clothing.  Eugene joined together in marriage on September 23, 1957, to Marie Hayden.  They remained married for 63 years, and from this union four children were brought forth: Eugene Edward Rutherford Jr., Bertha Rutherford, Ronnie Rutherford, and Clara Rutherford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Marie Rutherford and brother James Rutherford.  Left to mourn his loss but cherish his precious memories are his children: Eugene Jr. (Sheria) of Newport News, VA, Bertha of Morganton, Ronnie (Gloria) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Clara of Dinwiddie, VA; grandchildren: Tasheika Rutherford of Graham, NC, Marquita Rutherford of Chesapeake, VA, Rakeem Rutherford (Mercedez) of Abingdon, VA, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and legacy of Bro. Eugene Edward Rutherford will take place Tuesday, March 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC; interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The service will be live streamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A