Raymond Burr Rutherford

1935 - 2022

Raymond Burr "P.K." Rutherford, 87, died Thursday April 7, 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 26, 1935 to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Howard Rutherford and the family soon moved to Miami, Florida where P.K. learned his love of fishing and the outdoors. He and his brother, Holt, spent many days fishing the waters of south Florida. In 1953 he graduated from Miami Edison High School. His nickname of P.K. (which stood for "Poor Kid") stuck with him throughout his life

In 1956 , he married Elizabeth Blake "Betty" Spruill. Both of their children, Raymond Burr "Ray" Rutherford, Jr. and Caroline Blake "Carrie" Rutherford, were born in Miami, where P.K. worked for The Miami Herald. In 1964 the family moved to Titusville where P.K. worked for Florida Today and The Titusville Star Advocate. In 1976 P.K. fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to the Florida Keys when he became the assistant editor of the Florida Keynoter. The family moved to Marathon, Florida where P.K. was awarded the distinction of Honorary Conch. P.K. retired from the Keynoter and he and Betty moved to Mt. Dora, Florida while also spending summers in Waynesville, N.C. After retirement, P.K. became an avid golfer. Betty and P.K. eventually moved from Mt. Dora to DeBary to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Wherever P.K. and Betty lived, they were surrounded by close friends with whom they enjoyed fun golf outings followed by storytelling and laughs over dinners together. P.K. was always an active member of his church having served on the Vestry of several churches throughout the years.

P.K. was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty, and is survived by his children Ray (Brenda) and Carrie Bachara (Chip), four grandchildren, John (Amy) Rutherford, Jim Rutherford, Blake Bachara and Hank Bachara, and three great-grandchildren, Henry, George, and Clara Rutherford.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 401 South Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 410 Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771 or to Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 North Haywood Street, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.