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ROGER RUTLEDGE Obituary

Roger Rutledge On the evening of May 20, 2014, Roger Rutledge, 67, passed away peacefully at home, comforted by Lily, his wife. Roger was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on December 27, 1946. He was the second child of Jean and Joseph P. ("J.P.") Rutledge, Jr. Roger grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee. He graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in History/English. Roger then joined the Peace Corps as a Rural Agriculture Extension Officer, and was stationed in Nepal, where he met his wife, Lily. She was a nurse in the Peace Corps and they met while traveling in the Himalayas. They married in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1970. Roger was appointed Vice Consul in the U.S. Foreign Service, stationed in Palermo, Italy. He graduated from American University Washington College of Law in 1977 with the degree of Juris Doctor Cum Laude. He practiced law with his father, J.P. Rutledge, at Rutledge and Rutledge Attorneys at Law. Over the years he practiced corporate law, litigation, international, family, and estate law. He enjoyed the opportunity to help people through his law practice and became good friends with many of his clients and coworkers. Roger was an accomplished musician, songwriter, guitarist, and singer. He jammed with a variety of musicians, including James Taylor, and was a part of the music scene in Memphis. Roger received his private pilot's license, and enjoyed flying his Sierra plane on many trips around the country. Roger was president of R-Track Technologies. In 2012, Roger wrote and published "A Revolution to Win: The Founder's Solution to the Current Crisis", a book about democracy in America. Roger served on the board of the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers as Chairman. He was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church and attended and taught lessons for the Seekers Sunday School class. He made it a priority to help others, was generous, and always took the time to listen. He was a wonderful father and enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by many friends who will miss his fun loving spirit. He is survived by his wife, Lily, his daughters, Amelia Tapp and Sarah Rutledge, his brother, Jay Rutledge and sister, Julie Berg. His family will receive friends on Friday, May 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and services will be on Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m. all at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the Roger K. Rutledge Memorial scholarship fund, P.O. Box 38344, Germantown, TN 38183-0344. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com

Published by The Commercial Appeal on May 22, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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He was a wonderful friend, miss him and his music: Lady Margarita.

Wolf K. von Essen

Friend

September 9, 2017

Roger was a wonderful man, talented musician, good friend and fine attorney. He will be very much missed.

Shem Malmquist

May 28, 2014

My heartfelt sympathy to you, Lily and to all the family. Lily, we had just gone through so much of the same pain and felt so much of the same understanding. I send my love always.

Raquel Ary De Rozza

May 27, 2014

Roger was a beautiful person and a sweet sweet friend. I will pray for peace to come for Lilly and her children. I know Roger has a mansion in heaven. Karen Davis

Karen Davis

May 24, 2014

I considered Roger a friend as well as a colleague, he was fun and thoughtful and so talented in so many ways he will be missed greatly! He was so good to my son and I will always be thankful for that-I will keep Lily and his girls in my prayers! Today Roger is at peace and pain free for this I am grateful!

Lee Smart

May 23, 2014

Caring thoughts to your family.

Jane and Danny Fadgen

May 23, 2014

Bless The LORD, May His rod(protection)and His staff (guidance) comfort you, Always..in Jesus Christ.

Dickie & Luewanda Young

May 23, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

May 22, 2014

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Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

5668 Poplar Avenue P.O. Box 17144, Memphis, TN 38119-0885

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