Carlton "Bruce" Rutledge

Bruce lived an active life, making many lifelong friends along the way. He loved fishing, motorsports, traveling, cooking and barbequing. He could always tell a good story and had a deep love for his family.

Bruce was born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents Jacqueline and Carlton Albert Rutledge, and moved to his beloved Jacksonville as fast as he could, arriving before the age of one. At the age of 12, while camping with family at Ft. Clinch State Park, he witnessed a fish jubilee which led to his love of fishing and camping.

In 1972, he met and fell in love with the love of his life, his true soulmate, Cynthia Dingman. They enjoyed more than 50 wonderful years together. His love and compassion for Cindy was evident to all. Their son, Carlton Bruce II, “Carl,” and daughter-in-law Lisa Poarch, completed their happy family.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Carl, daughter-in-law, Lisa; mother, Jackie; sisters, Vicki (Terry) Wilson, Diana (Stuart) Kimmel, Brenda (Steve) Turrentine, and Teresa (Mark) Dawley; special sister-in-law, Teri (Terry) McClure; and many nieces and nephews. Bruce would tell all that Cindy was his Passion, his Mom was his Teacher, and that he was the Protector of his sisters.

Working in the Propane Industry for 50 years, he acquired and ran his own business, Southern Propane, for 34 years. Known for teaching safety and being a super salesman, Bruce earned several Blue Ribbon Gas Man awards. He made many lifetime friends while serving his loyal customers and giving to the community with his contributions and his time.

Many friends and family enjoyed their Keys vacation home, where Bruce and Cindy shared their love of fishing, snorkeling, diving and all water sports.

As a member of the Jacksonville Dune Buggy Club, he enjoyed group rides and competition racing, winning Top Eliminator several times. Bruce earned the title of Lion of the Year from the Southside Lions Club for his charity work selling Christmas Trees multiple years.

Joining the Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Club, Bruce participated in many tournaments in local waters, learning and sharing fishing technics. Competition fishing led him to the Southern Kingfish Association, where he fished alongside professionals. Competing throughout the Southeast, Bruce earned a seat on Team Fountain, and most notably, received the Sportsman of the Year Award. Bruce enjoyed sharing his love for fishing by mentoring others, especially children.

His love of motorsports found Bruce teaming up with his son, Carl, and traveling to multiple motocross parks across the region, where he was known as ”Papa Ruthless.” He enjoyed meeting the racing families and their children.

After retiring and moving to his lake home on a nature preserve and family compound, Bruce was able to enjoy and share the fruits of his labor with his love Cindy. Bruce lived life to the fullest and now he’s… Gone Fishing.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 24, at 2pm, at the outdoor worship center of Southside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 6755 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32211

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Rutledge family.