Mr. Rick Rutland, age 68, of Hahira, Georgia, passed away on September 16, 2026 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. He was the son of the late Roy and Nina Faye Wetherington Rutland. Mr. Rutland was born in Tifton, Georgia on November 8, 1957 but lived most of his adult life in Lowndes County. He was a Baptist. Mr. Rutland served his community honorably by working with the Valdosta Fire Department where he retired as a Lieutenant after 33 and a half years of service.

Mr. Rutland is survived by is wife, Terri Blanton Rutland of Hahira; son and daughter-in-law, Dillon and Kaylie Rutland of Tampa, Florida; daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Travis Meeks of Powder Springs, Georgia; two grandchildren: Bobby Meeks of Powder Springs, Georgia and Cooper Rutland of Tampa, Florida; mother-in-law, Mary Blanton of Lake Park, Georgia; a sister-in-law, Penny Rutland of Cecil, Georgia; two sets of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kathy and Timmy Nessmith of Woodstock, Georgia, Donna and Donnie Lewis of Tallahassee, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Rutland was preceded in death by his brother, Marty Rutland.

Mr. Rutland's request for cremation was honored and a memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in the chapel of Boone Funeral Home South, 1804 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel, Georgia. Rev. Dennis Grimsley will officiate and eulogies will be provided by Deanna and Michael Jones. No formal visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made in Rick's honor to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation by mail at 2575 Chantilly Dr., Atlanta, GA 30324 or online at Giveburnstheboot.org, or to Hahira Community Church by mail at 208 N. Church St., Hahira, GA 31632.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.boonefunerals.com. Boone Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted to serve the Rutland family.