Deacon Curtis Rutledge was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on July 26, 1948. He was the oldest of five children from Clifford D. Rutledge and Doris Rutledge's union. He transitioned from labor unto reward on August 24, 2025, at the Copley Health Center in Copley, OH.

Deacon Rutledge attended John Hay High School in Cleveland, OH.  He moved to Akron, OH, in the 80s, after his marriage to Mother Mary S. Rutledge on September 18, 1986. He retired from Darling Waste Management.  He often talked about his childhood days living in Cleveland and raising his two sons, Reggie and Darrick, in Banbury Apartments in Warrensville Heights. He enjoyed visiting his family in Cleveland, OH, and taking trips down to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to visit family members.

During a vacation trip, Deacon Rutledge and Mother Mary visited the home of her brother Advanced Presiding Elder Noble Davis, and Advanced Sr. Mother Castorlania Davis.  During this trip as always, if you knew Deacon Rutledge, he enjoyed debating about specific topics, politics, religion etc.  However, Advanced Presiding Elder Davis was a bible scholar, so they had a lot to talk about and enjoyed debating each other. A short time later, Deacon Rutledge became a member of the House of Jacob.

During many conversations with his stepson, Elder Timothy Haines, he would talk about the churches he visited in the past, but he said something was missing. After learning the teachings of the House of Jacob, he would always say he wanted to be a Deacon in the Church.  When he was made a Deacon, he took great pride in fulfilling those duties.

He was a dependable and always punctual member, known for his distinguished appearance and warm fellowship with the saints. He actively supported the church by providing security during visits of our Supreme Bishop when he came to Akron. While contributing to Bible School, he earned a Certificate of Participation in 2014.  We would often recall Deacon's Signature Bible School Sermon preached, entitled:   THE DEVIL HATH DECEIVED THE WHOLE WORLD!  We were inspired by his devotion and sharing of his life experiences. While working as a Deacon, he provided security for the interior and exterior areas of our mission and was very protective of the saints. He was an active member of the Sons and Daughters of God and Senior Saints Auxiliaries.  Deacon was known and appreciated for his baking of yellow cake with chocolate icing, and his preparation of cheese grits served at the Sons of God Breakfasts.  He often enjoyed travelling to Coshocton, OH, for the convocation meetings and staying with his wife and stepson in the RV on church grounds that Elder Tim would rent.  He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and especially his great-grandchildren.

Deacon Curtis leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of over 40 years, Mtr. Mary S. Rutledge.  His sons, Curtis "Reggie" Rutledge, Darrick (Maria Elena) Rutledge, stepchildren: Elderess Mable E. Christian, Elder Timothy M.D. Haines, Keren P. (Stanley) Childers, Mary D. Haines, Nadad E. (Tess) Haines. His siblings:  Regina Rutledge, Tondaleer Rutledge. Sisters-in-Law: Sr. Mtr. Mary F. Davis, Advanced Sr. Mtr. Castalina Davis, Ruby Dee Davis-Daniels, Bess Hayden, Debbie Rutledge, Advanced Sr. Mtr. Melba Davis.  His grandchildren:  Darrick (Leland) Rutledge, Deborah, Lashawn (Freddy) Baez, Carolyn (James) Donaldson, Elder Kelvin (Elderess Huldah) Christian, Nechelle D. (Dwayne) Timmons, Stanley Jerome Childers, Jr., Erick M. Haines, Stephen (Marshae) Daniels, Archael Daniels, Jaleel Haines, Jerome Turner, Haley Blackmon, Kayla Blackmon, Alicia Blackmon.  Great-Grandchildren: Harlow G, Rutledge, Olivia F. Rutledge, Malcolm James, Kezia James, Aniyah S. Childers, Josiah Baez, Jaxon Baez, Malaya Daniels, Jaihir and Jaleah Haines, Tristain Turner, Jakari D. Timmons, Liam Haines and a host of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents:  Clifford and Doris Rutledge. His siblings Lonnie Rutledge, Steven Rutledge, and Clifford Rutledge, Jr.

Deacon Curtis was a devoted member of the House of Jacob for over 25 years.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and will be missed by all.