Robert Alexander Rutledge Sr.

LANCASTER - Mr. Robert Alexander "Bob" Rutledge Sr., 87, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at Lancaster Convalescent Center. He was born April 3, 1925, in Lancaster County, the son of the late Crawford E. Rutledge Sr. and Monica Carnes Rutledge and was the husband of Elizabeth Davis Rutledge.

Mr. Rutledge retired from Bowater, was a member of First Baptist Church and served our great country in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II.

Mr. Rutledge is survived by his wife, Elizabeth D. Rutledge of the home; two sons, Crawford E. "Buddy" Rutledge and his wife, Pat of Lancaster and Robert A. "Robin" Rutledge Jr. and his wife, Nancy of Lancaster; two daughters, Becky Fulmer and her husband, Don of Chapin, S.C., and Susan Hardin and her husband, Chuck of Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Kelly Beasley and husband, Chris, Dawn Jennings and husband, Tripp, Steven Rutledge, Nikki Rutledge, Robbie Rutledge and wife, Misty, Angie Rutledge and Ashlyn Hardin; a step-grandchild, Greta Baker and husband, Chris; five great-grandchildren, Aiden and T. J. Jennings, Alexis, Dalton and Kenna Rutledge; and a step-great-grandchild, Bailey Baker.

Mr. Rutledge was preceded in death by a brother, Crawford E. Rutledge Jr.; a sister, Betty Mitchell; and beloved granddaughter, Elyse Rebecca Hardin.

The Celebration of Life Graveside Funeral Service for Mr. Rutledge will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at Lancaster Memorial Park, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Bert Welch.

The family of Mr. Rutledge will receive friends immediately following the service and suggest memorials be made to The Elyse Rebecca Hardin Foundation, P.O. Box 3096, Lancaster, SC 29721.

An online guest register is available on the obituaries page at www.hartleyburgess.com.

Hartley-Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory of Lancaster, S.C., is caring for Mr. Rutledge. (803-283-2100)