S. L. Rutland

Stafford Layfate Rutland, Jr., - BLUFFTON, SC - Stafford Layfate Rutland, Jr., 84, died Tuesday, July 30th at Shadowmoss Memory Care Home after a long illness. He was born in Savannah, GA., December 1, 1928, to Lurline Livingston Rutland and Stafford L. Rutland, Sr. He was a graduate of the Class of 1947, Savannah High School. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nelda Fowler Rutland. After rearing their family in Savannah, they moved to Bluffton, SC to enjoy their semi-retirement on the May River. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home and also taking some trips overseas. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James L. Rutland (Vickie), Cathy R. Williams (Bob), Carol R. Ellis (Steve), Dana S. Rutland (Esther), and Jill R. Ciechanowski (Kenny), 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Ann R. Kearney, an aunt, Bruce L. Chaplin, and many nieces, a nephew, and cousins. S.L., as he was known, was co-owner of Rutland Tire and Wheel in Savannah and Rincon with his wife. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, a former member of Morningside Baptist Church, Past Master of Zerubbabel Lodge # 15, F. & A.M's, the York Rite Body, Alee Shrine Temple, past President of the Exchange Club of Savannah, and past President of the Bluffton Men's Club. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Fairhaven Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel. Funeral Services: 1 p.m. Friday in the Hubert C. Baker Chapel, with Rev. John Finley, officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. With Masonic Graveside Services being conducted by Zerubbabel Lodge # 15, F. & A.M's. Pallbearers will be: Doug Brunson, Richard Bunger, Ed Carden, Brad Ciechanowski, Michael Cox, Christopher Ellis, Stephen Ellis, Kyle Rutland, and Dana Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Exchange Club of Savannah. Remembrances may be made in S.L.'s honor to First Baptist Church of Savannah, Jenkins Boys Club, Alzheimer's Association, or your favorite charity. Savannah Morning News August 1, 2013 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.