Harold Rutherford

1943 - 2026

Harold William Rutherford, 82, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026 at Baywind Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in League City, Texas. He was born on August 8, 1943, in Quitman, Georgia, to the late Calvin W. Rutherford and Reesie Hart Rutherford. Harold was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) and lived a life grounded in faith, service, and quiet strength.

Harold graduated from Brooks County High School in 1959 and went on to attend Morehouse College, where he was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He later earned a master's degree in mathematics in 1963, beginning a lifelong journey of intellectual curiosity and professional excellence. After two years as an instructor at Fort Valley State College, Harold devoted 35 years to distinguished public service, starting as a mathematician and later serving as a computer scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. He continued his career with the Department of the Navy in Crystal City, Virginia, and concluded his service with the Department of the Air Force at the Pentagon, retiring in 2000.

Deeply committed to his community and fraternity, Harold was a member of the Tau Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he faithfully served as Basileus from 1972 to 1974 and supported the chapter's work in education and community outreach. As a member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), he was devoted to the Faith and Hope Club and lent his voice to the Men's Chorus, sharing fellowship and encouragement with all who knew him.

Harold will be remembered for his impish smile, brilliant mind, gentle wisdom, and steady presence. His love of learning, quiet humor, and unwavering dedication to family and service left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Nixon Rutherford; his parents, Calvin William Rutherford and Reesie Hart Rutherford; and his brother, Charles Edwin Rutherford.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, William Rutherford and Angela Rutherford; daughter-in-law, Cristy Rutherford; grandchildren, Lauryn Rutherford and William Matthew Rutherford; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Dianne Rutherford; nephews, Keith Rutherford, Courtney and Winston Rutherford; niece, Mindy Rutherford; sister, Dr. Denise Rutherford; cousins, Rev. James V. Jordan and William Jordan; sister-in-law, Cassie Stansbury; and a host of extended family, fraternity brothers, church family, colleagues, and friends.

A home going celebration will be held on March 7th at 9 a.m. at Grier Funeral Service, 115 John McCarroll Ave, in Charlotte North Carolina. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd, in Charlotte, North Carolina.