Maj. Dwight C. Ruttledge (USAF Retired) passed away Jan. 20, 2024, at Dominion Senior Living, in Bristol, Tennessee. He was 77 years old.
His childhood was spent in multiple locations as his father, also an Air Force officer, was required to relocate often, sometimes multiple times a year. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, graduated from high school, in Fairborn, Ohio, and then from Harding College, in Searcy, Arkansas. After college graduation, Dwight enlisted in the United States Air Force, attended Officer Training School, in Texas, and proudly served our country for over 21 years.
After retiring from the Air Force, he and his wife, Pamela Denhart Ruttledge, relocated to Satellite Beach, Florida. He was a lifelong lover of music and played trombone in his younger years. He took pleasure in growing and tending to plants, especially the more than a dozen beautiful orchids that were hung on his back patio. He and Pamela became avid kayakers and created and participated in many kayaking events over much of the state of Florida for the local kayaking club. He was also actively involved with the local Wounded Warrior Project.
In 2008, when Tropical Storm Fay nearly destroyed Brevard County, Florida, Dwight was selected to head up the FEMA program, Project Hope, to provide assistance and resources to residents affected by the storm’s damage and did so for more than two years. The Ruttledges relocated to Sparta, in 2019.
Dwight was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Denhart Ruttledge.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Ruttledge Stevenot (Ron); his sister, Kathy Ruttledge Davis; stepchildren, Paul Reich (Victoria), Jolene Reich Weidlich (Joseph); nephew, George A. Davis; grandson, Matthew Stevenot (Maeve); and other grandchildren, Parker and Bailey Reich.
Graveside service was 11 a.m., Jan. 26, 2024, at O'Connor Cemetery, in Sparta.
Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
