Bill was born on Feb. 16, 1921, at home in Fort Worth, Texas to Della Ophelia (Taylor) and Thomas Edward Rutledge and passed away on Nov. 4, 2016, in Hoquiam, Wash. He was the youngest of six siblings. He served in the Navy during WWII and survived the sinking of his ship the Block Island in May of 1944. Bill met his future wife, Josephine “Jo” Theresa Gendusa at a USO dance. They married in Dallas, Texas on July 4, 1944.

After graduating from Southern Methodist University, he worked for Texas Motor Freight as a tariff compiler for many years. He then worked for the Texas Employment Commission as an interviewer until his retirement in 1984.

Bill moved from his longtime home in Dallas, Texas to Hoquiam in 2002 and then moved to Channel Point Village in 2014. He had an amazing “green thumb” that was obvious whenever one saw his beautiful gardens, yard, and flower containers. When visiting, whether it was in Dallas or in Hoquiam, you were guaranteed a tour around his yard so he could share the beauty of it all with him.

Bill is survived by his sons, Thomas Edward (Colleen) of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Stephen John (Nan) of Amanda Park, Wash., daughter, Martha Jo Drillette (Steve) of Little Rock, Ark.; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, friends, and of course, all the caring staff at Channel Point.

Bill was preceded in death by; his parents; his beloved wife of 48 years; four brothers, and a sister.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Hoquiam Timberland Library from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.