Jay Dean "Skip" Rutledge III

Jay Dean Rutledge III, better known as "Skip" peacefully passed away at home on February 13, 2026, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family, friends, fellow deacons, and his pastor.

Skip was born to Colonel J.D. Rutledge, Jr. and Virginia Roberts Rutledge on May 8, 1940, at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, where they were stationed during the bombing in December 1941. Skip and his mom were able to leave Pearl Harbour and lived safely in San Antonio, Texas, until the Colonel was free to join them. The family's next post was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As an Air Force "brat", Skip was educated in many locations including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kerrville, Texas, Japan, and eventually Tarleton University. Skip was a proud graduate of Texas A & M University.

Following Skip's graduation from Texas A & M, he was drafted and did basic training in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Skip met Shirley Crisp one summer in College Station, Texas, and they were married in Nacogdoches, Texas on November 26, 1965, prior to Skip's Viet Nam departure.

Skip's return from Viet Nam brought the couple to the Texas Hill Country to be near family. They made their home on a ranch in Gillespie County where they raised registered Hereford cattle and did custom farming. Son J.D. Rutledge IV, known as "Corky" was born in 1968 and son Timmy Dewayne was born in 1971. Skip held the position of President of both Blanco County and Gillespie County Hereford Associations sharing his time and expertise as he worked the ranch.

Skip was a member of First Baptist Church of Fredericksburg, Texas, where he proudly served as a deacon and filled many positions of service to witness, share his love for Christ, and give back to his church and his community.

When Skip and Shirley retired for health reasons, they reluctantly sold the ranch, and moved to town, where Skip continued his love of flowers and gardening until he was unable to do so due to further declining health.

Skip was predeceased by his parents, Retired Colonel J. D. Rutledge, Jr., and wife Virginia, a brother Craig Rutledge, his young son Corky, in-laws Woodrow and Doris Crisp, and a brother-in-law, James Crisp.

Skip is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Crisp Rutledge, their son Timmy Rutledge (Tandy), granddaughters Brittney Rutledge Stewart (Chase), Kaylee Rutledge, and great granddaughter Emily Rose Stewart, of Fredericksburg, granddaughter Kaitlin Koppel, great grandson Keegan Stroud, and sister Margaret Rutledge of Chile.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday February 24th at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church will Rev. Bill Waddel officiating.

Graveside services and interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation for Skip will be held on Tuesday February 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Methodist Hill Country Healthcare, Hospice, and Family Care, Fredericksburg Cornerstone Caregiving, the First Baptist Church, Fredericksburg, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com