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BORN
1944
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Leslie Rutledge Obituary
Les will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Peggy, of Smithfield, VA; daughter Carey Alison Rutledge, of Charlotte, NC, son, Austin Whitt Rutledge and beloved daughter-in-law Nicole Freudig Rutledge of Wake Forest, NC; grandsons Wyatt James Rutledge and Paxton Wood Rutledge of Wake Forest, NC; brothers David Whitt Rutledge (Dorothy) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Steven Emmett Rutledge (Katrinka) of Mayodan, NC; brother-in-law Walton Gibson Bondurant, Jr. (Nancy) of Smithfield, VA; nephews and nieces Carey Bondurant Hayslett (Rus) of Smithfield, VA, Ami Bondurant Balderson (Bob) of Mechanicsville, VA, Walton Gibson Bondurant III (Anna) of Smithfield, VA, James Marable Rutledge (Ashley) of Wake Forest, NC, Adam Correll Rutledge (Lea) of Wenham, MA, Martha Elizabeth Rutledge of Durham, NC, Matthew David Rutledge (Angelica) of Chapel Hill, NC, Stephen Tyree Emmett Rutledge (Julie) of Pfafftown, NC, and Courtney Prichard (Lucas) of Kernersville, NC; and grandnieces and grandnephews in the Rutledge and Bondurant families. Les was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Marable Rutledge and Frances Cleo Whitt Rutledge, both originally of Chase City, VA.
Les was born in 1944 in Newport News, VA, and was a graduate of Warwick High School. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA, and served in the Marine Corps Reserves as he began his career in banking with the Bank of Hampton Roads. In 1981, Les and Peggy moved to Midlothian, VA, where Les worked at Central Fidelity Bank in Richmond. Les then joined Planters Bank (later Centura Bank) in Rocky Mount, NC, in 1988. He and Peggy moved backed to the Hampton Roads area in 1998 settling in Smithfield, VA.
Les always enjoyed reading, music, physical fitness and watching sports. He also had a love for history and architecture. His biggest passion was certainly his family, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Les was always a great sounding board for his children as they grew in their own careers and provided unconditional support for their individual endeavors. Some of his fondest memories were of family gatherings with his cousins at Green Cove Farm in Chase City, VA, and with his family at his in-laws beach house at Cape Story by the Sea in Virginia Beach.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Tonya Everette and Jean Artis for their extraordinary care and compassion. We would also like to thank Sabrina Chappell for her support during the first year of his care.
The family will hold a reception to celebrate Les' life between 1:00pm-4:00pm, March 19th, 2022, at Windsor Castle Park Manor House, 301 Jericho Road, Smithfield, VA.
Friends are encouraged to visit littlesfuneralhome.com to share memories and words of condolences with the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Dementia Society of America.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Rutledge
Sponsored by Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield.
Bill Rogerson
July 18, 2023
A very long time ago I was reclining in the sand on Virginia Beach one night watching the full moon and knowing man was taking a step on that planet. Peggy's dad and others were there as well. I was thinking about that event and in my attempt to reach out to Les now know I am too late. Love and fond memories to Peggy and others. Sincerely, Bill Rogerson. [email protected]
JOHN MEYBIN 66 (Susan)
March 18, 2022
Peggy, I have never met you, to my regret, but you obviously made Les happy for many years and you and Les created a beautiful and fruitful family.. Les was my roommate during our 2nd class year along with Ron Cough, John Bolger, and Tom Tausky. We roomed right over the guard room which was a dangerous position. We however endured the year with much fun and camaraderie. Susan and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Kenneth R, Woolard Jr
January 13, 2022
My mother Marsha Woolard worked with Mr Rutledge! She thought a lot of him! The last time I saw Les was at Rick & Libby's Restaurant at Warwick Village Shopping Center! Before the pandemic a group of bankers would gather there and have fellowship! Sadly my mother Marsha Woolard passed away January 10, 2022! My mom and Les will be greatly missed! Being my mother's son, I heard the name of Les Rutledge many times! He is missed by many, but his memory still lives!
Linda Millar
December 29, 2021
The Millar family is heartbroken!! Please give me a call Peggy❤Linda
Louise Woodard
December 28, 2021
Peggy, I was so sorry to recently learn of your husband's passing. My prayers for God's comfort and peace are with you and all your family.
December 20, 2021
David enjoyed working with Les at Planters Bank in Rocky Mount, N. C., and all of you were an asset to Lakeside Baptist Church and our community. We remember you fondly and only wish you well. Les was a wonderful man who enriched many people's lives. Blessings to your family. Nancy and David Parker
Tim Schools
December 13, 2021
I am so thankful Les moved his family to Midlothian in 1981. He and Ms. Rutledge set the standard for top neighborhood parents. I will always remember Les for his choice of a remarkable wife/mom and how much pride he had in his two kids. Terrific family. So thankful for you all and thinking of you each during this time of loss.
Jim Pauls
December 13, 2021
Oh my, Peggy, what stunning news! One of my biggest disappointments since moving back to the area has been not visiting with Les more! He was such a companion during our years at VMI! Marvella and I send our deepest sympathy to you and the family!
Brian, Debbie, Kelsey and Connor
December 12, 2021
Peggy, Allison and Austin - much love from my family to yours. I´m so sorry to hear of this today, your family is in our prayers. We look forward to seeing you all soon and will be joining you in March.
Mary Benn & John Failes
December 12, 2021
Peggy- Please know how very sorry we were to learn about Les. Sending love to you and ALL your Family at this difficult time.
Mary Benn and John Failes
Carol Barefoot
December 11, 2021
What wonderful memories I have of all the times Grad and I shared with both of you as neighbors in Roxshire, Midlothian, Va. He had a live well lived. Hugs, Carol
Tom Rogers
December 11, 2021
I have fond memories of working with Les. His intellect, insight, knowledge and wry humor was much appreciated and admired by many. I feel blessed to have known him. My heart goes out to Peggy and the family.
Betty Dupee
December 10, 2021
Peggy,
Sorry to hear of Les' passing. keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Dupee
G
December 10, 2021
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Jane Renn Eadie
December 10, 2021
I have such fond memories of Les and our years at Warwick High School. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
My deepest sympathy to his family and to all who loved him.
Sincerely,
Jane Renn Eadie
Stafford, Virginia
Rick Thomasson
December 10, 2021
Peggy and families, I am so very sorry to read of the passing of Les this morning. He and I go way back to Warwick High School days. It has always been a pleasure to be in his company through the years and he always enlightened any gathering. I will surely miss him as many others will also. May the many pleasant memories of the past help ease the pain and sorrow that you now feel.
Beaufort NC
Naomi Chappell
December 9, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time.
Betsy Long
December 9, 2021
Betsy Long
December 9, 2021
Betsy Long
December 9, 2021
So very glad Cousin Tom Rutledge had the opportunity to visit Les in July, 2021! Les was a great cousin and he made this world a better place because he lived. May God wrap all his family and friends in His loving arms and give us comfort and understanding!
Will love and miss him as long as I live.
Cousin Bet
Phyllis Alexander
December 9, 2021
He was a wonderful friend and great fun to be around.
TONYA EVERETTE
December 9, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield1515 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430
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