Wilburn Rufus Cartwright

Rufus was born at home on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola, FL on July 3, 1952. He was the 8th of 9 children of Milton and Cora Lee Cartwright. Rufus graduated from Century High School in 1970 and the following December married the love of his life, Deborah Loraine Burkett. Rufus and Deborah would have celebrated their golden anniversary on December 17, 2020.

Rufus lived most of his adult life in Saraland. He was a man’s man who worked hard with his hands. He loved the Lord, family, a simple life, and all things country.

Rufus was the loving father of 3 children: Joshua Lealon Cartwright who preceded him in death in June 2001, Nathaniel Lavaughn Cartwright (Lisa) of San Diego, California, and Ashleigh Meghan Willcutt (Steven) of Saraland, Alabama. He was the proud PawPaw to 4 grandchildren, Joshua Carter Willcutt, Claire Mackenzie Willcutt, Steven Wayne Willcutt and Dani California Willcutt.

Rufus is survived by 4 siblings, Wyvonne Pantermuehl of New Braunfels, Texas, Eloise Rushing of Milton, FL, Gene Cartwright of Wilmington, CA and Jerry Cartwright of Milton, FL.

A celebration of Rufus’ life will be held on November 16, 2020 at Centerpointe Assembly of God in Mobile, Alabama. He will be laid to rest next to his oldest son, Joshua, in Byrneville, FL.