Mr. William Franklin “Flattop” Rutledge, 89, of Trinity went to be with the Lord peacefully in his home, on Thursday, April 15th, 2021. He was born September 30th, 1931 in Thomasville to the late Marshall Franklin and Dora Nelson Rutledge.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Joe Rutledge; a daughter, Jodie Allison and husband Barry of Trinity, NC; a son, Scott Rutledge and wife Vicki of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Hannah Allison of Archdale, NC, Abby Bailiff and husband Ben of Thomasville, NC, Collier Rutledge, McKinleigh Rutledge, both of Sarasota, FL.
Shortly after graduating from High Point College in 1960, Flattop met the love of his life, Betty Joe Yarborough, and the couple married in Burlington on April 13th, 1963. Following serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, he retired his teaching career from Burlington City School System, while all along running his family-operated business at Rutledge Lawn & Garden. Anyone who knew Franklin knew he was the “life of the party” and never knew a stranger. He was full of life and missed very few mornings with his Biscuitville coffee club. He had a passion for golf and played many years with his dear friends at Colonial Country Club weekly. There was nothing that Franklin loved more than his family and friends in life.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Holly Hill Memorial Park on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM with Pastor Morris Little officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorials may be given to the veterans group, Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jcgreenandsons.com.
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