William J. Rutherford

Joe Rutherford, 79, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee. Joe was a dedicated CPA, had a true love for his family, and was a fan of NASCAR.

Joe graduated from Wheeler High School in Booneville, MS, in 1963 where he was the salutatorian of his high school class. He continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College before earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Memphis State University in 1968. At Memphis State, he met his wife to be, Shirley Bishop. Joe and Shirley were married June 3, 1967 and recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.

He began his career as an accountant at Ernst & Ernst, a major, national, certified public accounting firm that operated an active office in Nashville, TN in 1968. Later that year, Joe was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He worked in the General’s office as an accountant at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, NC. He quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5. Joe and Shirley enjoyed their time in the military. Joe often recalled playing a lot of golf with the General. Joe received an honorable discharge in April, 1970.

Joe and Shirley returned to Nashville where Joe resumed his career with Ernst & Ernst. While living in Nashville, Joe achieved his license as a Certified Public Accountant and his daughter, Regina, was born in 1971.

Joe and Shirley felt the desire to return to Memphis, to be closer to family and create a home in Germantown, TN. He worked for many years as a CPA for Riverside Chemical Co. and Cook Industries, Inc. He later opened his own CPA firm where he was devoted to his clients, creating life-long friendships with many.

After a long, successful career, Joe and Shirley moved to Knoxville, TN in 2002 to help care for their grandsons, Benjamin and William. Joe continued his CPA practice while taking special care of them with rides to see trains, youth sporting events, and the creation of his grandchildren’s first business; a recycling company for aluminum cans. After they graduated high school, Joe continued his CPA practice and enjoyed his time with Shirley.

Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley Rutherford; his daughter, Regina Rutherford Pethel (Ben); grandsons, Benjamin Rutherford Pethel and William Alexander Pethel; and sisters, Ann Floyd, Joy Saylors, Kay Duke (Tom) and Judy Eastin (Bill.) He was preceded in death by his parents, W. S. and Emily Rutherford.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Visitation will continue on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Bro. James Rich. Burial will be in Bishop Cemetery. Pallbearers include Benjamin Pethel, William Pethel, Tony Bishop, Jimmy Strong, Paul Saylors, Tommy Duke and Joseph Duke. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.