Samuel Lee Rutledge, 61, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Jackson, MS.

Lee is survived by his wife, Sara Beth Rutledge of Brandon; son, Carson (Melissa) Rutledge of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Lauren Rutledge and fiancé John Keyes of Greenbrae, CA; sisters, Ann Rutledge of Atlanta, GA and Lynn Edwards (Billy) of Madison, MS and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Monthie Rutledge; father, Charles William Rutledge; brother, Bill (Mary Beth) Rutledge, all of Lexington, MS; and sister, Loretta Louise Hathcock of Indianola, MS.

Lee was born on May 1, 1962 in Lexington, MS. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1984 and moved to the Brandon area where he lived for more than 40 years.

Lee married Sara Beth Patton in December 1984 and the couple had two children together. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed quality time with his family. He enjoyed Mississippi State athletics and classic movies. His family and friends will always remember his gentle spirit and the grace with which he faced adversity.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5pm – 7pm at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood. A graveside service will be held at 10:30am Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville. Darren Miley will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lee's life.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and doctors that tended to Lee, including Dr. Murphy Martin, Dr. Donald Mitema, Dr. Carla Monico, Dr. Timothy Cannon, and the incredible nurses and staff at Baptist Hospital.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at https://www2.jdrf.org/donate