George Rutledge III

George Willia Rutledge III passed away on December 7, 2024, in Georgia with love. George was born in Madisonville, Kentucky, on August 18, 1948, to George William Rutledge, Jr. (Fitty) and Sadie Scisney, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Sam (Loretta) Frazer; twins Delmer and Elmer McNary; and sisters, Minnie A. Mayes and Ruby Fairrow.

He graduated from Rosenwald High School and played basketball with one of his best friends, the late Adophus “Doc” Smith. After graduating from high school, George was drafted into the United States Army. Serving the Vietnam War and becoming a highly skilled shooter. After serving in the military, he returned home and worked at General Electric, Birmingham Bolt, and other jobs. He also spent time at Mason and Son’s Funeral Home with his friend, the late Billy Mason. During this time, he developed and learned the trade skills of the funeral business.

During his younger years, George was fondly known as “Fitlo.” He was given this nickname because he was a small boy, and his clothes “fit low.” Fitlo had a big personality and did not take stuff from anyone. With his good looks and charm, he was the man around town. He loved riding motorcycles, especially his green Kawasaki. He became a founding member of the Kentucky Gentleman Motorcycle Club along with “Doc Smith,” Huck-A-Buck, and others. He lived his life to the fullest and set his own standards. Younger guys looked up to him as a street legend.

He was extraordinarily talented and intelligent. He was known for doing home repairs and maintenance for neighbors at no cost. He loved being at his home in Georgia, getting up early every day, helping, and spending time with his wife, Paula. You could find him working in his garage, cooking something good, working in the yard, or sitting on his screened-in porch with his friends Greg, Stacey, and Kenny. In his spare time, he enjoyed getting on the road, driving to Kentucky, going to his sister Cynithia’s house for a meal and laughter, and making stops to visit other friends and loved ones. He usually only stayed a few hours before heading back to Georgia. His travel motto was “Anywhere in America in 24 hours”, and he could do just that. One of his favorite things was his volunteer work for his church in Georgia. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 42 years, Paulette Murphy Rutledge; sons Jeffery Rutledge, George IV (Carmen) Rutledge, Kelcey Rutledge, Jeremy (Ashaki) Rutledge; and one daughter, Christie Steppe, 19 grandchildren, Caitlin and Chauncey Gilmore, Jordan, Jameria, Jaadarian, and Javotay Rutledge, Jeprice Brown, Misha Chanta, Mya Chaince Rutledge, Megan Chantal Kyzer, Darius Rorer, Ja’Klyah, Kelcey Jr, and Kaylen Rutledge, Tra’Quilla Hopson, Terrika Springfield, Ty’Arrah Mosley, Amajo and Shadeja Rutledge; brothers, Tom Frazier, Marvin (Marsha) Hightower, Carl Hightower, Tracy Hightower, sisters, Cynthia Hightower, and Audrey (Archie) Antia, his best friend, James “Bullet Head” Foster and a host of other friends and family.