Ronald Rutherford

Ronald Cornelius Rutherford, born on October 4, 1953, in Lenox, Georgia, to Mae and Leon Rutherford, passed away October 12, 2024. He grew up working on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work while picking cotton and cropping tobacco. Early on, he recognized that farming was not his calling, which led him to pursue higher education.
Ronald earned a degree in Forest Technology from the University of Georgia's Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. His thirst for knowledge drove him to earn multiple advanced degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Science in Psychology at Valdosta State College, a Master of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Arizona, a Master's in Business Administration at the University of Georgia, and a PhD in Real Estate Finance from the University of Georgia.
Ronald had a distinguished academic career as a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of South Florida. He made significant contributions to the field of residential real estate, publishing numerous articles that explored important issues in the discipline.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jessica, and their three sons, John Paul, Joel Luke, and Eli James. He is also remembered by his sisters, Lee Cornelius and Mary Portivent, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Benjamin, Laverne, Virginia, Patsy, and Anne.
Ronald's steadfast love for God was a guiding force in his life, and he was deeply committed to studying God’s word. He prioritized his faith and his love for his family above all else. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at the Lenox Cemetery on Saturday, November 9 at 10 AM. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Rutherford family is being served by the caring and professional staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.