John Allen Rutledge

1927 - 2012

John Allen Rutledge, 84, of Bronson, died Sept.8, 2012 at E T York Hospice Center in Gainesville.
He was born Sept. 29, 1927 in Jasper to Ernest and Selma Rutledge.
He graduated from Jasper High School and the University of Florida. John served in the US Navy during WWII.
Known to many simply as "Coach", he was an avid sportsman. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track at Bronson, Lake Butler, and Trenton. He also taught Math, History, and Phys Ed. He served as principal at Hawthorne High School, Lake Butler Elementary and Trenton High School. Coach Rutledge's team filled the trophy cases with their successes. Rutledge's teams made several trips to the state tournaments, playing in two finals in basketball.
He was also a poet, writer and avid historian.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia of Bronson; sons, John Wade of Orlando and Rick (Mary) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Zack and Alex of Orlando and Jake and Elizabeth of Charlotte and a brother, Charles Rutledge of Brooksville.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Rutledge and Ernest Rutledge and a sister, Jo Ann Feagle.
Graveside services were held at Rosemary Cemetery in Bronson Sept. 11
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levy county Schools Foundation, John Rutledge Scholarship, PO Box 1386, Bronson, FL 32621.
Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com
Arrangements were under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Chiefland.