Richard Rutland III

Dr. Richard Oliver Rutland, III, a native of Fayette, AL, and a longtime resident of Gadsden, died Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife of 44 years and his adoring children.     Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 20 at 4 p.m. at Gadsden First United Methodist Church with Reverend Harvey Beck and Reverend Tammy Jackson  officiating.   Dr. Rutland was a 1973 graduate of Dartmouth College and received his Medical Degree from UAB School of Medicine in 1977. He completed his Pediatric Residency at UAB and the Children's of Alabama Hospital in 1979 and began practicing with Gadsden Pediatric Clinic in 1980.  Dr. Rutland was a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and an active member of the American Medical Association, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Etowah County Medical Society, and a past president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  In 1994, he was honored with the Children's of Alabama Master Pediatrician Award and was the 2016 recipient of the Chester Hicks, M.D. Award, presented by Gadsden Regional Medical Center, for providing the highest quality patient care.     He loved his family and his patients with compassion beyond compare.  One of the greatest joys in his life came from cooking elaborate meals and crafting delicious pastries and desserts, rarely using recipes or measuring tools.  He was passionate about Alabama football and could be found on his porch most fall Saturdays listening to Eli Gold.  Dr. Rutland was a man of few words, but when he spoke you listened.  He was witty and so very kind.  Not only was he an amazing physician, he was also a gifted artist, a meticulous gardener, and an exquisite writer.  His grandchildren adored him and they were the light of his life.  Dr. "Rick" had an ability to connect with children that is impossible to describe.         Dr. Rutland was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Babb Rutland. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Matthews Rutland; his daughters, Megan (Chris) Mileski, Rachel (Matt) Weaver, and Erin (Nate) DeLucca; 9 grandchildren; his father, Richard Oliver Rutland, Jr., M.D.; his siblings, Cindy (Michael, M.D.) McBrearty, Missy Rutland, and Craig (Mary) Rutland, M.D., and several nieces and nephews.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gadsden First United Methodist Church ministries.  The outpouring of love that our family has felt during this past week is something we cherish, and we would like to capture that by compiling a memory book of all the lives he's touched.  If your time allows, we request that you bring with you a picture of your children that he's cared for or a memory to write down during the service.   A very special thank you to Dr. Elquis Castillo, Dr. Lowndes Harrison, Dr. Richard Caldwell, Dr. Terry Robinson, The Cancer Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Alacare Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.