Henry Dyer Rutledge's Obituary
Rutledge, Henry Dyer Went home to his Lord on September 10, 2009. He passed peacefully with his wife and children by his side. Active in the furniture industry for over eighty years, Rutledge became an icon in the industry. His wisdom was sought by executives of furniture manufacturers and retailers alike, as his expertise on historical influences in the design and craftsmanship of furniture made him unique. His leadership skills embraced the core value of people and endeared him to all who met him. He was born in Hubbard City, Texas, January 2, 1914 to Mylous Rutledge and Minnie Goodwin Rutledge. Henry’s family moved to Dallas in 1919. He began his career as a young delivery boy, with Titche-Goettinger in 1928, remaining there until joining Sanger Harris in 1947. In 1975, he became General Manager of Weir’s Furniture and played an instrumental role in the transition of Weir’s from a small store to a multi-location industry leader. After retirement from Weir’s in 1989, Rutledge enjoyed his role as a consultant to furniture manufacturers and retailers well into his ninth decade. Mr. Rutledge enjoyed serving as an interim pastor for several small churches throughout the southwest, teaching Bible classes, and serving as a sponsor of the youth choir at his beloved First Baptist Church of Dallas, where he was a member for over 60 years. Mr. Rutledge was predeceased by his first wife, Venita, and daughter Anna Rutledge Williams. He is survived by his second wife Frances, daughter Paula Starnes and her husband John, daughter Lynda Cleveland, son Ken Cleveland and his wife Terri, 7 Grandchildren, and 4 Great Grandchildren. Visitation will be at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas on Sunday, September 13, from 3pm until 5pm. The service will be held in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto, Dallas, Monday, September 14, at 1 pm. Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. — Henry Dyer Rutledge: Furniture industry icon was ‘an inspiration’ By EUNAKA KIRBY / The Dallas Morning News Henry Dyer Rutledge, an icon in the furniture industry for decades, died Thursday at age 95. “Everybody who was anybody went to him for furniture,” said James Bryant, a longtime friend. Mr. Bryant, founding dean of what is now Criswell College, said two things helped make Mr. Rutledge unique and iconic. “He studied,” Mr. Bryant said, and “he had these incredible people skills.” Mr. Rutledge was sought out by many for his expertise on furniture, Mr. Bryant said. “He brought the world to Dallas and Dallas to the world,” he said of his friend’s travels as a buyer. Mr. Rutledge began his career in 1928 as a delivery boy for the Titche-Goettinger department store, where he remained until going to work for Sanger Harris in 1947. In 1975, he became general manager of Weir’s Furniture Village and helped transform the store from a small shop into a multi-location industry leader. Mr. Rutledge was born Jan. 2, 1914, in Hubbard City, Texas. His family moved to Dallas in 1919. After retiring from Weir’s in 1989, Mr. Rutledge became a consultant to furniture manufacturers and retailers. Mr. Rutledge was referred to as “Pop” and “Uncle Henry” to people whom he had taken under his wing when he was youth choir sponsor at First Baptist. He was a member of the church for more than 60 years. “He was a rock, inspiration – definitely a spiritual guider,” said Barbara Word of Round Rock, Texas, who sang in the First Baptist youth choir. Kelly Anderson, a registered nurse who served as Mr. Rutledge’s caregiver for several months said: “He had something to give even a perfect stranger. That’s his legacy – the example he’s shown to others.” Mr. Rutledge was an interim pastor for several small churches and taught Bible classes. He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughters Lynda Cleveland of Austin and Paula Starnes of Lewisville; son Ken Cleveland of Agoura Hills, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. today at First Baptist Church Dallas, 1707 San Jacinto St. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Dallas.
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