Guy Jehue Rutland, Jr.

Guy Jehue Rutland, Jr., age 90 of Cedartown passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Mr. Rutland was born on January 23,1935 in Polk County, Georgia to the late Guy Jehue Rutland, Sr. and Ida Davis Rutland. Guy was the owner of Rutland Farm, a Georgia Centennial Farm, which he and his sister, Blanche, inherited from their parents. He proudly farmed his entire life. He graduated from Cedartown High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Science in Teaching from Middle Tennessee State University. He was a teacher and coach in Polk School District for more than 33 years. Guy also founded and operated Christmas Tree City, which just celebrated its 47th year. Additionally, Guy was the first republican ever elected in Polk County. He served on the Polk School District Board of Education for 12 years. He was a devoted member of Victory Baptist Church, the Retired Teachers Association of Polk County, and Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Guy received numerous honors throughout his life including Young Farmer of the Year, Coach of the Year in Wrestling from the Georgia Athletic Association, and Rockmart High School Athletics Hall of Fame Honoree. He married his loving wife, Lynda Statham Rutland on July 12, 1980, and together they raised two children, Ashley Rutland Adamo and Jud Rutland, in the same house in which he was raised.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Blanche Rutland Kulp, his brother-in-law Mike Statham, and his nephews, David Kulp and Gavin Statham.

Guy is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Statham Rutland, whom he married on July 12, 1980; two children, Ashley Rutland Adamo and her husband, Geoff and Jud Rutland and his wife, Pam; three grandchildren, Julia Rutland, Sam Rutland, and Annika Adamo; brothers and sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Funeral services for Mr. Rutland will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Victory Baptist Church with Rev. Barry Snapp officiating. The eulogy will be delivered by Mr. Mike McRae and prayer delivered by Rev. Ken Kulp. Interment will follow in Polk Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends Monday from 11:00 am until the funeral hour at Victory Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will include Brandon Woods, Glenn Robinson, Ronnie Davis, Keith Lindsey, Ricky Sorrells, and Bobby Helms. Honorary pallbearers will include, Tony Morgan, Terry Simpson, David Johnson, Charles Himes, Van McKelvey, Rick Brown, Kevin Swafford, and Bill Kinzy.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Guy Jehue Rutland, Jr.