Joe Rutherford

Joe Rutherford passed away surrounded by his family at the inpatient unit of Heart of Georgia Hospice on Thursday, August 10, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was born on September 12, 1946 in LaFayette, Indiana to the late Dallas J and Elvera Vellinger Rutherford. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. After his military service, he returned to Warner Robins. In 1973, he opened Rutherford Trophies in Macon, Georgia. Joe was an avid golfer, bowler and a car enthusiast. For many years, he enjoyed building and racing dragsters with his friend, Lin Taylor. He was a member of Awards Associates of America and Middle GA Mustang Club. He enjoyed judging car shows and was involved in the Museum of Aviation “Wings and Wheels” car show for many years. He was also involved in car shows for America’s Helping Wounded Veterans.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 49 years, his daughters Amy Greene (Jay) and Joy Plaxico, three grandchildren, Kylie and Kendyl Greene and Ryder Plaxico. He is also survived by his brother Dallas R Rutherford (Elaine), his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Valaina Angley, and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly by his close personal friends Lin and Peggy Taylor, John and Peggy Correia, Paul and Carlene Hibbitts, Warren and Lynn Martin, and Michelle West.


Family will receive friends at McCullough Funeral Home on Sunday, August 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 14th at the Chapel of McCullough Funeral Home at 2 o’clock with Pastor Paul Bankston officiating. Interment will be at Parkway Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.


A special thank you to Heart of Georgia Hospice for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr. Warner Robins, Georgia.