Larry Thomas Rutledge

Larry Thomas Rutledge passed away on October 30, 2022, at the age of 70. He was born on December 16, 1951 to Leo Harold Rutledge and Lois Bradley Rutledge, in Eureka, CA, where he spent his entire childhood.

In high school he was a long distance runner, winning the state championship one year. He joined the United States Coast Guard, which took him to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he met his wife. He served aboard a buoy tender until being sent to electrician's school in Governor's Island, New York. He was transferred to Seattle, Washington where he served 3 years aboard the Polar Sea, a US Coast Guard icebreaker.

After being honorably discharged from the USCG he moved back to St. Petersburg and spent the rest of his life in various parts of Florida, including many years in Crystal River, where his children were raised. He was an electrician by trade, and he worked at the Florida Power Nuclear plant for several years.

Larry was intelligent, full of passion and often remembered for his genuine sincerity toward others. He was a lifetime blood donor. In his more recent years, he donated his time to the St. Pete Free Clinic as often as possible. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, backpacking, bicycling and outdoor life in general. He was a lover of sports, enjoyed cheering on his San Francisco 49ers, and showed his support to the local Tampa Bay Rowdies at almost every home game.

Larry deeply loved and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. They brought him much joy and many smiles.

Larry was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his children, Bradlee (Ly) Rutledge, Lindsay (Sam) Smith, Sayward (Holger) Bocking, grandchildren Madaline, Melanie, Sebastian and Morgan, brother Lee (Joyce) Rutledge, nephews Rodney and Jason, nieces Diana, Breianna and Christianna, and his best friend Pamela Rutledge. Larry will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

He will be laid to rest in Bay Pines National Cemetery on November 22, 2022. No services are planned at this time.