Carson Douglas Rutledge

Carson Douglas Rutledge, age 35, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, surrounded by family and friends after an 18-month heroic battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer).
Carson was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia to Jim and Carolyn Rutledge. He loved and admired his older brother, Michael and Michael's wife, Shannon. He adored their two girls (Kylie and Abbie) and was often seen twirling Kylie around the dance floor or cuddling with Abbie on the couch. He also knew what it was like to have a soulmate as demonstrated through his relationship with his love, Jordyn McKey.
He attended Old Donation Magnet School, Kemps Landing, and Cox High School. He graduated with the highest honors from Clemson University, Dental School at the Medical College of Virginia (VCU), and a pediatric residency at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, California. Carson, passionate about caring for children with breathing and airway difficulties, developed The Airway Center (TAC) in Charlotte, North Carolina where he provided oral/facial developmental care for children.
Carson embraced life in all he did. He was passionate about physical fitness, competing in bodybuilding competitions, modeling, and co-owning ACTIV Fitness (Gym) in Charlotte with his brother, Michael. He traveled extensively and was often a "thrill seeker" participating in activities such as Running with the Bulls in Spain, bungee jumping in New Zealand, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with sharks in Hawaii, and skydiving at the Grand Canyon. As a teen, he represented the United States in horseback competitions in Australia and Wales and was actively involved with children with disabilities through the Equikids Program in Virginia Beach. He loved facilitating connections between friends, family, peers, and colleagues, such as serving as the social chair of his dental school fraternity. He grew up attending Virginia Beach United Methodist Church and developed a deep faith through his connections with the Gate Church in Charlotte, the varying ministries he engaged in upon returning to Virginia Beach, and the prayers of so many.
He loved unconditionally and will leave numerous friends, family members, and patients better off for having known him. It is with love and gratitude that we thank all that have been on the journey of life with Carson – his grandparents (Dot and Douglas Morcom) of Monroe, Virginia and Dee Rutledge of Richmond; his aunts, uncles, and cousins; his friends; and his colleagues. We are so grateful he chose us to be in his life. He showed us how to embrace life, love others, and serve well.
@the.fit.dentist
@the.airway.dentist
The Celebration of Carson's life will be held on August 24 (see flyer on his tribute wall).
Please consider making a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation, the Health Guidance Center Foundation (http://www.hgccharlotte.org/give.html), or a charity of your choice.