Thomas "Ernest" Rutherford was born May 6, 1951, in New York City, New York and departed this life on July 4, 2014, at his home in Bowling Green, Virginia. He was born to the late Charles and Dorothy Rutherford.

At a very early age, Ernest gave his life to Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Ernest was educated in the Washington, DC school system. He continued his education at the Washington School of Architect Design. Ernest had a natural gift of drawing. He was a master at chess and loved to teach others to play. Nothing made him happier than cooking for others, especially, his family. On April 29, 1994, Ernest married his beloved wife Sydney Vernell Pleasants. They established a home in Bowling green, Virginia until his passing.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of twenty years, Sydney Rutherford; five step-children, Aundria Hilton, Robert (Colleen) Pleasants, Lea' Montica Griffin, Danita Wilson and Jermaine (Tina) Griffin; two beloved sisters, Ora (Clarence) Crutchfield and Bernice Vernon; three brothers, Percy Rutherford, Carl Rutherford and Ronald Washington; one sister-in-law, Barbara Sue (Richard) Pleasants; three brothers-in-law, Arthur Thornton, James "Chuck" Pleasants and Ridgley (Linda) Pleasants; eighteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four nieces, Tracy (Bill), Tisha (David), Kim, and Joy (Maurice); two nephews, Carlos and Sean and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, aunts, and uncles, especially "Uncle Joe" that will miss him dearly, He was preceded in death by one sister, Orton Jackson.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 11 from noon to 8:00 p.m. at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at St. James Baptist Church, 19514 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514, with Minister Joshua Griffin deliving the eulogy and Rev. Dr, Charles F. Baugham, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Online condolence is available at cwedwardsfuneralhome.com