Billy Rutherford's Obituary
Billy Rutherford, 87, of Claude died Sunday, March 8, 2020 in Claude.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Claude Cemetery in Claude with Rev. Janet Edwards, officiating.
Arrangements are by Robertson Claude Chapel.
Billy was born April 20, 1932 in Claude to William and Lorene Horn Rutherford. In high school, Billy was once called a one man track team for breaking several records. He played basketball and had a football scholarship to WTAMU but had to decline the offer to help his family. After high school he married Bonita Mae Smothermon on April 22, 1958 in El Paso.
After he was married they lived in Dumas, where their first daughter, Billie, was born. They moved to Claude and had their second daughter, Bartie. Shortly after they relocated to Tulia where he worked as a custom harvester. They returned to Claude and had their third daughter, Buckie. While on harvest they had many young men work for them. He was a witness to all and a father figure to many. He loved farming and ranching as well. He enjoyed working the land and took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren to plow and plant. Later in life he made many miles across the country driving a truck. He never met a stranger and picked up many hitch hickers along the way. His work driving allowed him to share the gospel with his captive audience.
Billy was also a Sunday school superintendent and served on the Board of Trustees at the Methodist Church in Claude where he was instrumental in the development of the youth program. He's devoted his life to serving God and others. His compassion and kindness were immeasurable. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Bartie Rutherford; four brothers; and a sister.
Survivors include his wife, Bonita Rutherford of Claude; two daughters, Billie Cosper and husband B.C. of Amarillo and Buckie Crump and husband Randy of Clarendon; a brother, Paul Rutherford of Claude; a sister, Ann Washington of Amarillo; his grandkids, Joshua Minkley, Kirstin VandeSpyker and husband Shannon Farren, Lucas Minkley and wife Amber, Nash Baker and wife Larissa, Cameron Morris and husband Willie, and Christian Cosper; his great grandkids, Wyatt, Avery, Kennedy, Asher, Evelyn, Logan, and Hazel.
At the conclusion of the service, the family will be welcoming visitors at the Family Life Center.
The family request memorials be sent to the Claude United Methodist Church
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