Charles Franklin Rutherford

Charles Franklin Rutherford (November 11, 1960 - June 25, 2022) Charlie was born on November 11, 1960, and grew up in Tazewell County, Virginia; and he literally grew up and into his “Tall Man” stature of 6’5” which allowed him to excel on the basketball court at his alma mater, Tazewell High School. During his playing time with the Bulldogs, Charlie was chosen team captain, and was also awarded All County, All Southwest District, All Area, and Most Valuable Player accolades. Charlie graduated with honors in 1979, and then attended Southwest Virginia Community College and Concord College. He was elected to the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges” in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment as a student.

Following the completion of his formal education, Charlie went on to become founder and president of the American Phone Card Company which he continued to successfully build and expand until his recent retirement earlier this year. Charlie lived in Maryville, TN for 30 years and many times he remarked that the beautiful Smoky Mountains kept him there. He was also a member of the East Maryville Baptist Church.

During his early childhood, Charlie’s father taught him to appreciate all of the beauty and wonder of the outdoors. It was there that he developed his appreciation, fondness and zeal for hunting, camping, and above all his search for and catching the elusive brook trout. Charlie became proficient at finding the perfect stream with the perfect fishing “hole.” His love of fishing (fly and bait) was his true passion which provided him the most contentment throughout his entire life. As an adult, Charlie was also known for his quiet generosity, compassion, and selfless giving to others. He was thoughtful, kind, and always very thankful for his life’s blessings. Charlie’s love of God, vigilant prayer and constant support and concern for this country were always at the forefront of his conservative way of life. Charlie’s last month was filled with joy. He and Katherine traveled over 1,600 miles through Montana and Wyoming, experiencing the beauty of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. After returning to Maryville, Charlie biked through Townsend, drove to Clingman’s Dome, camped, and paid a final visit to the little white church at Cade’s Cove where he and Katherine were married. But most importantly…Charlie fished. He waded the streams of the Big Horn in Wyoming, the creek banks of Tennessee, and his favorite streams in Cherokee, North Carolina. He fished. On Saturday June 25, 2022, following his courageous battle with cancer, Charlie peacefully completed his life’s journey, and is now with his beloved Father in Heaven.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Nelson Rutherford, Sr., of Tazewell, Virginia. Charlie is survived by his loving wife Katherine Pyott Rutherford of Maryville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother Leonard Nelson Rutherford, Jr. and wife Deloris of Concord, North Carolina; sister Pam Atkinson Roane of Roanoke, Virginia; sister Lynn Rutherford Snow and husband Jimmy of Crozet, Virginia; step-son C.J. Clifton and wife Denise of Morganton, North Carolina; daughter Tosha Rutherford Thomas and husband Kurt of Carrollton, Georgia; daughter Rachel Rutherford Layton and husband Joe of Clarksville, Tennessee; grandchildren Clarisa Slayter and fiance Lucas Duncan, Brenden Slayter, Blakely Thomas, Hannah Clifton, and Layla Layton; great granddaughter Elliemay Duncan; and several nieces and nephews.

Charlie is also survived by very special friends Danny Rivera of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dr. Ed Cherry of Maryville, Tennessee, Charles Leonard of Kingsport, Tennessee, Dempsey Walker of Maryville, Tennessee, and Jerry Cromer of Tazewell, Virginia.

And everyone who knew Charlie knows his story would not be complete without saying…“GO VOLS!!!”

The celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 in Tazewell, Virginia at Main Street United Methodist Church with visitation from 10am to 11am with service to follow. At Charlie’s request, he will be interred with his father at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Bluefield, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in Charlie’s honor at www.ukmarkey.org.