Tributes

Lieutenant Colonel Ret. William H. Rutherford William Heath Rutherford, 78 of Surfside Beach, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday May 7th, 2008 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Bill is the son of the late C.D. and Lois Rutherford. He enjoyed a very distinguished military career achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a command fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and the District of Columbia National guard for more than 30 years. He was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base four times 1957, 1968. 1970 and 1976 during his career. Lieutenant Colonel Rutherford flew a number of aircraft including the F-86H, F-100D and A-7D. He was the chief of Airfield Management at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base when he retired in November 1981. He also served a tour in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970, where he flew 100 combat missions. Bill's military awards and decorations include the Air medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. There will be a street "Rutherford Loop" named for Bill at the Market Common on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base. From 1957 – 1968 he served as a Detective Sergeant on Prince George's County, MD police department. Following retirement, Bill earned a Real Estate Brokers License and a Real Estate Appraisal License. He worked as a Flight Coordinator with The North American Institute of Aviation in Conway, SC. Bill was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, serving in many capacities such as licensed lay reader, Vestry and president of the Men's Club. He was very active in the Crusillo movement within the Diocese of South Carolina. Bill was a loving husband and devoted family man. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Jean Rutherford; son Allen Rutherford; granddaughter, Ashley Growden and great grand son Bradley Growden; sister Rosanne Schoen; and niece Laura Eser. He was predeceased by his daughter Cynthia R. Lambe. The memorial service will be held on May 11, 2008 at 4:00 at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. Presiding over the service is The Very Reverend Edward T. Kelaher. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium immediately following the service.

Tributes

William Heath Rutherford

May 7, 2008