Lawrence Clay Rutland, 56, of Carrabelle, Florida formerly of Cook County, Georgia, passed away on July 26, 2026, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 8, 1970 in Tifton, Georgia.  A free spirit who lived life on his own terms, Clay will be remembered for his deep love of family, his passion for fishing, and his unwavering loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lana Boone Rutland Griffin, and his father, Robert Ashley Rutland; his paternal grandparents, Lawrence Green Rutland Sr. and Lola Jane Griffin Rutland; and his maternal grandparents, Etheridge Leroy Boone and Marjorie Tyson Boone.

Clay is survived by his children, Gage Clay Rutland (Sky Rutland) and Laken Renee Rutland (Reese Champion); his grandchildren, Ivey Lee Rutland, Summer Rose Rutland, Charlie Clay Rutland, Vallie Gail Rutland, Silas Blue Rutland , Delilah Raine Champion, Isaac Anthony Champion, and Rylee Rhiannon Champion all of Ochlocknee, Georgia; his brothers, Bo Rutland of Lenox, Georgia, Drew Rutland (Teresa Rutland) of Tifton, Georgia, and Jade Rutland of Gainesville, Florida; his sisters, Angie Rutland Sirmans (Tim Sirmans) of Nashville, Georgia, Jill Rutland Blount (Scott Blount) of Madison, Alabama, Terrie Rutland Dinkins (Tony Dinkins) of Valdosta, Georgia and Melody Griffin Willis (James Willis); his stepmother, Angela Harris Rutland; a stepfather, Danny Griffin all of Lenox, Georgia, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous other family members and friends.

Clay’s greatest joys were time spent with his children and grandchildren and casting a line whenever he could. He carried the spirit of a true free soul and remained a devoted Georgia Bulldog through and through. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. 

In keeping with his wishes he was cremated and a memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on August 9, 2026 at the Chapel of Boone Funeral Home, Inc. with visitation taking place one hour from 3:00 to 4:00 PM; prior to the memorial service.  The chapel is located at 1804 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel, Georgia.  His ashes will be buried at Rutland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clay’s children to help with final expenses. A GoFundMe account has been set up for any donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-farewell-for-clay-rutland