Johnny Charles Rutland welcomed the daily presence of our Heavenly Father and treasured his relationship with the Lord. He was born on January 15, 1942, in Barnesville, Georgia. Johnny transitioned from his earthly journey to enter eternity early Sunday morning, October 1, 2023. He was the youngest boy born into a family of nine children to David Rutland, Sr., and Odessa Mae Thornton Rutland. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank, Dave, James Arthur, Walter, and Clarence, and sisters Betty McDowell and Mary White. Affectionately known to family and many friends as “JC”, he was well known, loved and respected.
Johnny accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He worshipped at Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church, which was pastored by Reverend Peter L. Lias and Reverend S. J. Moffett. His journey with Jesus continued for many years at Open Door Ministries under the direction and leadership of Pastor Gregory B. Clayton. He was a faithful member until his earthly journey ended.
Johnny received his early education in Georgia under the direction of Mrs. Grace Bush. After relocating to Florida with his family, he attended Orange County Public Schools and later graduated from Charles R. Drew High School. Upon graduating from High School he began a career as a porter at West Orange Memorial Hospital in Winter Garden, Florida. He later decided to relocate to New York with brothers Dave and Walter Rutland, where he spent several years as a Duffy Motts employee. When returning to Florida, he continued employment as an orderly at West Orange Memorial Hospital.
While traveling to Jamaica, Johnny met the love of his life, his beautiful, loving, and devoted wife Yvonne. They were married in June of 1966 and spent fifty-seven (57) wonderful years together. They share two beautiful daughters, Lori Michelle Rutland and Angelita Reddick. He loved his wife and daughters dearly, as well as the rest of his family.
His employment at West Orange Memorial Hospital was progressive as he advanced to earn an LPN Degree and later a degree as a Registered Nurse. Having a passion for nursing, he spent several years until retirement in that medical profession, serving in various capacities and locations. He was honored to have worked with prominent physicians such as Dr. Albert Gleason and Dr. Edward Bradford, both of Winter Garden, who admired his work ethics and medical knowledge.
After retirement, Johnny kept his nursing license updated and renewed. He enjoyed continuing health care and nursing, and worked part-time in one of the private offices of Dr. Vivian Woodard. He often helped family members and friends with home care recovery issues and proper medication.
Johnny enjoyed cooking, bowling, fishing, watching sports, and road trips with his family and siblings. As an excellent cook, he took great pride in receiving compliments on his baking, famous collard greens, yams, potato salad, and sweet potato pies. He often took on the honor of being the host of several holiday dinners for the family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. He had the honor of bowling a few 200 games and would often give his trademark advice to, “Lay it out o your mark and keep the speed on your ball.” His most recent family travels included trips to Georgia, around Florida, New York, and to many family reunions.
Left to treasure Johnny’s memory and legacy is a loving family, who will miss him dearly: his loving and devoted Wife, Yvonne Rutland; Daughters, Lori Rutland and Angelita Reddick (Kenneth); Grandchildren Caitlin Gainer, Madison Gainer, and Logan Gainer; Sister Barbara Lumpkins (Joel); Brother-in-law Peter Johnson (Tren); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.