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Celebrating the life of

Joseph Kavanough (Kavie) Rutherford

August 28, 1960 - November 10, 2021

Joseph Kavanough (Kavie) Rutherford

Kavie was born in Lexington, SC on August 28, 1960, son of the late Joseph Walker Rutherford Sr. and Nell Tarrant Able. Kavie graduated from Pelion High and went on to achieve his Bachelors at Armstrong State. He continued to reside and raise his family in Savannah. He was an entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses in his lifetime, including one which provided medical equipment to underprivileged persons in the Savannah community.  He was a devoted member of St.James Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus # 631

He is survived by his significant other, Joanne Hinnant, three sons, Chris Jenkins, Joseph Rutherford, Jr. (Hannah), Jonathan K. Rutherford, his beloved grandchildren, Walker and Preslie, mother, Nell Tarrant Able, his three sisters, Rachel Rutherford Scurry (Robbie), Lisa Rutherford Locke (Dick), and Rebecca Rutherford Kenner (Tony), as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Kavie was a friend to all, never met a stranger, and gladly shared his spirited opinions with everyone. His warm personality lit up every room. As a die hard South Carolina Gamecock fan and loyal Pelion Panther, his favorite times were spending his days on his land in Pelion and watching his Gamecocks with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by many, but especially the Savannah/Columbia communities. His heart was even bigger than his personality, as he gave so much to the communities he loved and valued. He easily would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need. Kavie was truly one of a kind. 

Please join the family for a celebration of life on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Knights of Columbus #631, 3 West Liberty Street in Savannah at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 15, 2021 at St.James Catholic Church .A graveside service will be held at his final resting place in Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, SC at 4:00 p.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Springfield Cemetery Fund.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

He was a great guy and will be greatly missed

- Adam Hodges, Savannah, Georgia

We just saw Kavie at Mass a few weeks ago and had a nice conversation. Despite his health issues, he was his usual cheerful, smiling self. Hard to believe we won’t see him anymore sitting across the church. He was a good man who will live on in his wonderful sons. May the angels lead him to Paradise.

- Sally and Brian Kennedy, Savannah, GA

Kavie and Bill Stanley and Charlie Butler lived together at the infamous 808 Tavern Road many moons ago.Those were great times,Lord if those walls could talk! The Super Bowl parties were legndary! I have not seen Kavie much over the years since we moved to Jacksonville,but my brother always kept me up to date .I will always cherish all the good times we had. God bless to his family. Eddie and Valerie Coppage

- EDDIE COPPAGE, MIDDLEBURG, FL

My deepest condolences to the family.

- Donna Davis, West Columbia, SC

Kavie was one of a kind. I have known him since our days at Armstrong State College. We have had many great times. He will be missed. But his influence and memories will live on.

- Karl F Schumacher, Savannah, GA

So very sorry to hear of Kavie’s passing. He always held a special place in the Miklosky family. My Dad thought so much of him and Kavie told me once that they had a special bond. Sending heartfelt condolences to his Mom and sisters ❤️

- Annette Miklosky , Pelion, SC

A candle has been lit!

Kavie Rutherford was a friend to all. He was like a brother to me for the 42 years I was privileged to know him. Kavie had a heart of gold and lived his life to the fullest, for as long as he possibly could. We love him and he will be truly missed. God bless Kavie and his family. Sandy and Laurie Ulmer

- Sandy and Laurie Ulmer , Aiken, SC

I am Heartbroken hearing the passing of Kevie. Kevie is one of the Sweetest kind Hearted Person you can meet. Kevie is a Family Friend since Childhood......Kevie had many a dinner and conversation at our house. My Parents Love him like we all do and Kevie Loved my Parents. He and my Brother David (Dave) were best Buddies from Childhood throughout. Kevie, Dave and Hugh were the "The Three Musketeers" Our family will miss you Greatly Kevie. So Thankful for the memories we have. I will always Love You Kev❤️

- Tamara Tammy Tam Atkins Denton, Lexington, Sc

So very sad to hear this news. Kavie was definitely one of a kind. A true friend for life. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Sending prayers and condolences to his sons, mother and sisters.

- Tammy "TB" "Tam" Black, Lexington, South Carolina

Kavie’s laughter was the most genuine and joyful sound. I can close my eyes and hear the sound. He was a lifelong friend and the memories are treasured. He was truly like a part of our family and my sincerest condolences go out to his family and all those who ever loved him. There is a huge hole in my heart. Godspeed Kavie!

- Terry ,Bud and Emily, Mansfield , Tx

Until we meet again my brother ✌️

- Bud, Mansfield, TX

A candle has been lit!

MAY HE RIP

- JOHN MELL, Savannah, Georgia

Our thoughts and condolences for the family. It has been years since our family lived in Falcon Ranch where we met Kavie. He was a good friend to us and he will be missed.

- Shelli Smith , Mobile, Alabama

My heart is so sad to hear this. Although I had not seen him in many years, I have very fond memories of him. The Rutherford family is in my prayers. Rest In Peace Kavie.

- Debbie Stansell Miles, Pelion, SC

I’m so sorry to hear this. Kavie was a kind and sweet man. Heartfelt condolences to the family.

- Deborah Fogle, Pelion, SC

I was unaware that Kavie had been ill. We go way back to St Joseph Hospital when I would see him from time to time. It had been years, until our paths crossed again in his medical equipment store. He was always a warm , smiling individual anxious to help in any way that he could. My condolences to his family.

- Betty Ann Ciucevich, Savannah, Ga

Our sincere condolences to the family. Kavie was a great guy with a great personality, gone too soon. RIP Kavie, you'll be missed by many.

- Kim&Steven Hugunin, SAVANNAH, GA.

Miss Nell; Rachel, I don't know where to begin. Kavie and I would sometimes go several years without seeing each other, but when we did get together we would pick up where we left off like we had never been apart. He was one of those friends that you just always expected to be there. My heart goes out to all of you.

- sass, 133 STEPHANIE DRIVE LEXINGTON SC 29073, SC

This man was one cool Uncle! Although a couple of years have passed since I have seen him, I can still hear his voice and his laugh. No one else had a voice like his. I have no doubt that he is already greatly missed by many but he raised wonderful boys that will keep his memory alive. God speed Uncle Kav!

- Marrisa Hanson, Savannah, Georgia

Prayers for all his Family and Friends. You will truly be missed. RIP Kavie gonna miss seeing you our friend.

- Nancy & Joseph Hardee, Savannah , GA

A true friend that always made me laugh, enjoyed our friendship so much

- Mark and Erika Deloach, Pooler, Ga

I was so very sorry to hear of Kavie’s passing We worked together at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in the early 80s and he was a dear friend I lived in Ardsley Park at the time and we often got together with work friends on a regular basis -he was always so kind &fun loving! My condolences going out to all of his family members- he will be greatly missed!

- Debbie Guidry DePue, Savannah , GA

Kavie - you will be missed. Your personality and love of life was seen by all.

- Karl F Schumacher, Savannah, GA

I am so very sorry to hear of Kavie passing. I had the pleasure of working with Kavie for many many years while at MHUMC wound care. Kavie would drop by just to see if any patients were in need of anything and after that just stay to catch up with us just to see what was going on in our lives and tell us what was going on in his. We all became friends very quickly and remained friends until I left. Praying for his family during this difficult time.

- Barbara Williams, Savannah, GA

I am so saddened to learn of Kavie’s passing. He was a wonderful man. My mother, Ruth Ricks, always thought of him as one of her other sons from way back in the St Jos days! She was always so proud of him & his many accomplishments. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family.

- Cliff Ricks, Savannah , GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200