Andrew Logan Rutherford

Andrew Logan Rutherford Jr., affectionately known as Little Andy, Andy, Daddy, Uncle Andy, Big Galoot, PopPop, Santa Andy, or The Frost by all who loved him, took his final breath on Earth and first step into Glory from home in Williamsburg, Virginia, on August 12, 2025. He was surrounded by loved ones who stand firm on Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

At 72, despite a 9-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, he leaves behind a well-worn Bible; a legacy of kindness, love, and joy; a family that loved him dearly; and an insatiable fight, thanks to Rock Steady Boxing (APEX PT), that led straight to Jesus.

Born on February 6, 1953, at Bell Hospital in Williamsburg, VA, to Andrew Rutherford Sr. (Big Stone Gap, VA) and Sally Reed Smith Rutherford (Williamsburg, VA-known as the infamous candy lady), he was their firstborn. Andy spent his entire life loving others above himself. His love extended to his James Blair High School Class of '71; Beehive football and wrestling teams; AFS, Monogram, and Blarion clubs; Thomas Nelson and Chowan College; Williamsburg Movie Theatre, The Jefferson Inn, Busch Gardens, VDOT, and Quinn work families; Jaycees, Williamsburg Co-Ed Volleyball, various softball and bowling leagues, TOPS, VHSL Peninsula Officials Association; Redskin tailgaters, Churchill Downs racegoers, and Indian Acres campers; and most importantly, his church families (Kings Way, Newtown United Methodist, York River Baptist [adoptee], and Daybreak Church).

Out of all his hobbies, being Santa Andy was most special. Spreading the message "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" to hundreds of children as the Christmas icon brought him-and others-immense joy.

Throughout his well-lived life, there was one thing he loved most; family. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his devoted wife and caregiver of 48 years, Gwen Rutherford. Together, they raised two daughters: Christina Luntzer (A.J.) of New Kent, VA, and Heather Rutherford-Small of Live Oak, FL. His daughters blessed him with 11 grandchildren: Eric Jr., Elijah, Alyssa, Eliana, Eriella, Alyiah, Enoch, Alyson, Ezekiel, Ezraelle (Sarah), and Everleigh. He also leaves his unflinchingly loyal brother John (Julie) Rutherford of Tampa, FL; aunt, Betty Harris; uncle, Charlie (Marsha) Smith; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. In-home caregiving wouldn't have been accomplishment without the moral support of Dave and Vickie Stallard, Ann and Larry Heath, Christine Giampapa Wechsler, Fred Rojek or Heartland Hospice.

He was preceded in death by grandparents (Hamlet and Gladys Smith Sr., John and Ida Rutherford); parents; a special grandchild (Heather's ectopic angel); uncles (Ham Jr. and Frank Rutherford); aunt (Donna Byrd); his best friend (Benny Gardner); and two dear friends he considered family (Mrs. Harriet Petrelles and John Baganakis).

Of all his accomplishments, perfect attendance at his daughters' events was most admirable. While juggling multiple jobs, he never missed a Girl Scout event or Williamsburg Community Pool swim meet, recreational softball or basketball game, AAU Junior Olympic Freedom Strider track meet, Lafayette field hockey or basketball game, or indoor/outdoor track meet. While cheering on his girls, he made countless friends in the community, leaving everyone with a funny and sincere memory. Without a shadow of a doubt, we stand firm in knowing he heard: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21