John "J.R." Thomas Rutland, Jr.

John Thomas "J.R." Rutland, Jr., resident of the Oakland Community and husband of Amy Rutland, departed this life Saturday morning, September 13, 2014 at his residence. He was 56 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Rutland were conducted at 4 P.M. Friday, September 19th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with John King officiating. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center – West Chapel at Oakland.

Mr. Rutland was born August 16, 1958 in Memphis, the son of Rebecca Stanley Rutland and the late Dr. John Thomas Rutland, Sr. He received his education in Memphis and was a 1993 graduate of Memphis State University where he received his Executive MBA degree. He was married October 24, 1981 to the former Amy Marshall, a stay at home housewife, who survives.

Mr. Rutland was in the automotive parts industry for 40 years.  He last served as the Chief Operating Officer at Prime Automotive Warehouse, LLC in Olive Branch, Mississippi before retiring for health reasons. He was a resident of the Oakland Community for 10 years. Mr. Rutland was an avid Christian who enjoyed golfing and loved making others laugh.  He will be remembered as a generous person who enjoyed creating memories with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Rutland is survived by two daughters, Heather Leigh Rutland King (John) of Ashland City, TN; Lauren Elizabeth Dyer (Joseph) of Cordova, TN; his son, John Thomas Rutland, III (Krista) of Cordova, TN; his mother, Rebecca Stanley Rutland of Memphis, TN; his brother, Mike Rutland (Pat) of Munford, TN; his grandson, Ian Thomas Rutland; two nieces, Amanda Green, Amy Willoughby; his nephew, Chris Hatchell; and many other loving family members.

The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148.