Robert E. Rutland Sr.

Mr. Robert E. Rutland Sr., 89, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009.

The son of the Rev. and Mrs. Thomas L. Rutland, he was born in Duluth, Ga., and later graduated from Young Harris College prior to serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning from the Army, he married Elizabeth Jones, and then settled in Dalton.

He began his banking career with the First National Bank of Dalton and later became the chief executive officer of Dalton Federal Savings and Loan Association, a role he filled for 36 years until his retirement in 1982.

While at Dalton Federal, Bob Rutland was instrumental in developing and growing Dalton’s real estate industry. He helped to provide the joy of home ownership to countless people in the Dalton area, and his integrity was above reproach. He supported the community, serving for 10 years on the Board of Education for Dalton Public Schools. As an active member of the First United Methodist Church, he assumed leadership roles on both the local and conference levels. He was a member of the Civitan and Rotary clubs, and provided leadership for a number of community organizations, from the Community Chest (now the United Way) to the Dalton Chamber of Commerce. He was a strong and caring man, who placed high value on family, church and community.

Mr. Rutland was preceded in death by Elizabeth, his wife of 62 years.

He is survived by his children, daughter Margaret Rutland Dyer and husband Henry Dyer of Roswell; son Robert E. Rutland Jr. and wife Anne S. Rutland of Buffalo, N.Y.; daughter, Laura E. Rutland of Erie, Pa.; his grandchildren, Britt Dyer and wife Mandy Dyer of Cumming, and Alex and Nick Rutland of Buffalo, N.Y.; his sister Mary Alice Brown of Marietta; plus many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday from the chapel of the Dalton First United Methodist Church with Dr. Joe Peabody and the Rev. James Hughes officiating.

Burial will be in Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 1 until 2 p.m. Monday in the Atrium of the First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to, DOC-UP Ministries, c/o First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 627, Dalton, GA 30722.

Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center), is in charge of arrangements.