Paul Rutledge

RUTLEDGE - Paul, loving son of Mike and Cindy Rutledge, left his earthly presence on this earth in his courageous battle against melanoma cancer on July 14, 2008, so that he could be free from pain. Paul was born on June 11, 1985 in Tulsa, OK during Mike's annual Freewheel trek. Paul played sports all his life and played in numerous youth sport leagues, including many years in Tulsa Little League baseball. In youth, Paul attended Skelly Elementary, Whitney Middle School, Hale High School and Street School. Paul is also survived by: his sister, Lantzey Rutledge; half sister, Nicole Fulk and husband Andrew; half brother, Brandon Gray; nieces, Jordan Gray, Maddilyn Warner, Skye Fulk, Ivey Fulk; nephew, Drue Fulk; aunts, Diane Durham, Paula Hankins and husband Kenny, Donna Terbush and husband Stewart; uncle, Dale Meadors Jr.; cousins, Jessica Rutledge, Mark Rutledge, Brian Rutledge and wife Victoria, Chad and Corey Taber; grandmothers, Ailene Meadors and Virginia Rutledge. Preceding in death are: his grandfathers, Calvin Rutledge and Dale Meadors Sr.; his uncle, Larry Rutledge; and great-aunt Lorene Miller. Paul had been working at Don Carlton Hyundai as a parts advisor when he became a "cancer warrior" as he called it. Paul never faltered once this past year and was constantly positive, saying "God had a plan", which gave Paul strength during endless radiation and chemotherapy in Tulsa and MD Anderson. Paul enjoyed sports, fishing, cars, music, watching his friends in the band Congress of a Crow, and UFC/MMA fighting. Paul's heroes were Matt Hughes, UFC fighter, his dad and the Tulsa Fire Dept., of which Station 30-B, gave him just one day of his No. 1 childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. Paul's love of cars was completed when he started working at Don Carlton. First working in the Honda warehouse, he later moved over to Don Carlton Hyundai as a parts advisor. Paul's vast amounts of friends who are "family" that are left behind say they are better for knowing such an extraordinary positive man and warrior. Service at 10 a.m., Friday, July 18, at St. Matthew's UMC at 12424 E. 31st St., with interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Add'vantage Funeral and Cremation Service, 9761 E. 31st, Tulsa, OK, 918-624-2828. Visitation is Thursday, July 17th, 6- 8 p.m. Paul Rutledge