Mr. Bruce Rutledge

CAHABA MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL: Announce with deepest sympathy the passing of Mr. Bruce Rutledge on Tuesday, May 5, 2026

BRUCE'S LIFE STORY: Bruce Rutledge was born on May 31, 1961, in Centreville, Alabama, to the late Curlee Rutledge Sr. and
Eunice Rutledge. He was educated in the Bibb County School System. At an early age, Bruce accepted
Christ as his Savior at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under Dr. N.M. Carter. Following his marriage,
Bruce later rededicated his life to Christ under the late Pastor James McBride Sr. After becoming a member
of Rising Star Baptist Church under Rev. Ervin Lee Heard Sr., Bruce was ordained as a deacon.
During his earlier years, Bruce was also a proud Mason of the 186 Centerstone Lodge, where he embraced
the values of brotherhood, fellowship, and community service.
Bruce was known by many as a pillar of the community. He was a hardworking man who took pride in
providing for his family and carried himself with strength, wisdom, and compassion. Throughout his life, he
worked in several different fields and built lasting relationships with everyone he encountered. Whether
through his faith, his guidance, or simply his presence, Bruce made an impact on countless lives.
Bruce dedicated many years of his life serving and working within the community. Many will remember
him from his years at Winn-Dixie in Brent, Alabama, where he worked alongside many close friends who
were like family to him, Marion Food VAL-U in Marion, Alabama alongside his dear friend Tim Holifield,
and Cahaba Memorial Funeral Home Chapel under the director of the late Mrs. Janie Walker and Mr.
Rodney Walker Sr. The friendships and bonds he formed throughout the years became an extension of his
family. These connections remained very close to his heart, as Bruce never met a stranger.
Bruce also worked diligently with the TRIO Upward Bound Program in Montevallo, Alabama alongside his
good friend Mrs. Sharon Gilbert, a program he was very passionate and proud to be a part of. Through
fundraising efforts, mentorship, and recruiting students, Bruce helped encourage and support many
first-generation and low-income high school students in pursuing higher education and opportunities for a
brighter future.
For over 25 years, Bruce faithfully shared his love for God and his community through the Bruce Rutledge
Outreach Ministry on WBIB radio. Known affectionately by many as “Radio Man,” Bruce became a
familiar and comforting voice. Through gospel music, words of encouragement, and inviting preachers from
near and far to share the Gospel, Bruce created a program that touched so many people. His voice brought
comfort, inspiration, and fellowship to listeners during both joyful and difficult times. Bruce also traveled
near and far supporting churches, families, and individuals whenever he could. Through his lifelong
dedication to faith, community service, mentorship, and outreach, Bruce’s impact extended far beyond his immediate community and touched countless lives throughout the state of Alabama and beyond. To many,
he was more than a radio personality — he was a widely respected God-fearing man whose kindness, faith,
and presence left a lasting impact on generations from all over.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Curlee Rutledge Sr. and Eunice Rutledge; two sisters, Mary
Heard and Chemise Rutledge; one brother, Curlee Rutledge Jr.; along with other beloved family members
who welcomed him home in eternal rest.
Bruce leaves to cherish his loving memory his beautiful, loving, and devoted wife of 36 years, Jacqueline
Nelson-Rutledge; his beloved godmother, Mrs. Dorothy Stanley; his four daughters, Kendra (Demetrice)
Watkins of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Melanie Rutledge of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Kadedra Rutledge of
Midland, Texas, and Aaliyah Rutledge of Brent, Alabama; five beloved grandchildren, Tamaria Sanders,
Keira Watkins, Darian Watkins, Kyson Body, and Justice Snipes; two sisters, Janice Deviner of Centreville,
Alabama and Rose Stacy of Brent, Alabama; and three brothers, Myrone Rutledge of Centreville, Alabama,
Dewayne (Mary) Rutledge of Brent, Alabama, and Herman (Felicia) Hannah of Montevallo, Alabama.
He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear
friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Bruce’s legacy of faith, love, service, and community impact will continue to live on through all who were
blessed to know him.

PUBLIC VIEWING: Will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM at Cahaba Memorial Funeral Chapel in Brent, AL 35034

FUNERAL VIEWING: Will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Bibb County High School Gymnasium 220 Birmingham Road Centreville, AL 35042

 INTERMENT: Cooper Cemetery in Centreville, AL 35042 

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