William Fitzgerald "Gerry" Rutherford Jr. died Saturday February 21 2009. Born in Newberry on November 20 1932 he had a strong will and a big heart which helped him overcome polio as a child and become competitive in athletics. He was an eagle scout in Troop 66 in Newberry.Gerry was the only son of the late William Fitzgerald Rutherford and the late Frances Houseal Rutherford. He attended public schools in Newberry and was a 1954 graduate of Clemson University of which he was a long-time supporter of IPTAY and supporter of the university.Gerry was married 51 years to his high school sweetheart and love of his life Peggy Ann Stutts.He will be fondly remembered by the young men he coached in Little League and the close friends he made at the Tuller Chapter of the National Wine Society a passion he found later in life. Wines he made placed or won in numerous competitions.Surviving are his wife; sons William Fitzgerald "Fitz" Rutherford III of Columbia Robert Drayton "Colonel" Rutherford of Mount Pleasant and John Houseal "E" Rutherford and wife London of Chapin; five grandchildren William Fitzgerald "Will" Rutherford IV Brannon Rutherford Lewis and husband John Robert "Drayton" Rutherford Jr. Reece Ashton Rutherford and Gavin Nance Rutherford; and a great grandson John Keagan Lewis. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Ann Rutherford and his sister Kate Rutherford LomasnyVisitation was Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home Chapin. Graveside funeral services were held on Friday at 1 P.M. at Rosemont Cemetery on College Street in Newberry. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Palmetto Chapter 4124 Clemson Blvd. Suite L Clemson SC 29621.Pallbearers were Lawrence Savage Phil Savage Kerry Savage Steve Kane Kevin Warner and Wesley McMullen. Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com Whitaker Funeral Home Chapin is assisting the family.