John Elmer Rutter, III

John Elmer Rutter III, son of the late John E. Rutter Jr. and Neila K. Rutter, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 5:23 pm at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. John was born August 12, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in Lantana, Florida attending and graduating from Lake Worth High School in June of 1977.

He first worked in construction before entering the Navy in July of 1981. Serving our country until he Honorably Discharged as a Aviation Electrician in February of 1986. On January 28th 1984 he married Theresa Mae Greene along with her two children, daughter Yazsha Michelle Greene(Winesett) and son Paul Anthony Greene. Later having a daughter Brandi Alexis Rutter on December 12th 1985. After his military service, John and his family relocated back to Lantana, FL. Upon returning he rejoined the Construction Trade as a Carpenter. In 1986 the family moved to Shalimar FL. Unfortunately in September of 1989 John and Theresa separated. John moving back South to Lantana, FL, and Theresa and the children continuing to reside in North West Florida. In November of 1993 John moved north to Akron Ohio, working as a Remodel Crew Leader. After 20 years as a Ohioan John moved back south joining his younger brother Cris C. Rutter during February of 2013 in Thomasville, GA. For the next year the brothers shared and worked on their Georgia home. Being a few hours from his daughter, Brandi Rutter (Seward) and his five grandchildren born to her, John finally re-united with his family. On John's birthday, August 12th 2014, Theresa and John reignited their relationship, finally, after a very long 25 years, John moved back home to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Where he became an amazing Grandfather/guardian to his five grandchildren, Cody, Kori, Kyle, Cole, and Cherish. Also, finally re-joining the love of his life Theresa Mae Rutter, in holy matrimony the year of 2018, again, as her husband.

John is survived by his wife; Theresa Mae Rutter. John is also survived by Yazsha & Hank Winesett along with their three children; Brandon John Robertson, Madison Eva Mae Winesett, and MacKenzie Sharon Lejuene Winesett. Paul Anthony Greene and his two children; Emmalyn Rae Greene and Kenna Dyann Greene. Brandi Alexis Seward, and her five children; Cody Michael Seward, Kori Andrew Seward, Kyle Alan Seward, Cole Anthony Seward & granddaughter, Cherish Michelle Seward. His brother; Cris C. Rutter along with his sister; Kimberly M. and Scott Van De Bogart and her children; Tarah R. Van De Bogart (Knox), Joseph S. Van De Bogart and Julia M. Van De Bogart. Survived by and very, dearly, missed by his three best furry friends; Destiny, Savannah & Raphael.

John was a son, brother, husband, grandfather and friend. He loved playing billiards, fishing, reading, and sunning on the beach with his wife. He loved working around their home and planting vegetable gardens and rose beds in the yard.

The memorial service for John E Rutter will be held this Saturday, June 8th 2019 @ 11am. Davis- Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Rd. NE,  Fort Walton Beach, FL. 32547.

We invite all of John's family & friends to please join us in a final farewell, of a great man and cherished friend. The service will be followed by a reception in the reception hall at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home between 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.  Lunch will be provided from McAlister’s Deli. Please contact Yazsha Winesett to RSVP with either E-mail, Text, or via Face Book Messenger. 850-543-8753 Cell Phone YazhaWinesett@yahoo.com Yazsha Michelle Winesett on FB

The family requests, that donations be made to ASPCA or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital non-profit, in lieu of flowers.

Thank You and God Bless

Please visit www.daviswatkins.com to sign the guestbook, order flowers, express condolences and share memories.