Can’t forget Jerry’s smile

By Joe McAdory

Published: June 9, 2009

One thing I remember most about Jerry Rutledge was his smile. No matter what task lie before him, Jerry was always cheerful and upbeat.

I worked with Jerry—an accomplished softball player during his heyday in Anniston, during two stints at the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, one in the early 1990s and another five years ago. Jerry had a variety of roles at the Ledger, writing military-related stories to news stories to sports stories. He could do it all. Most recently, Jerry was moved back to the L-E’s sports staff where he covered high schools. Sports writers are always sports writers, no matter what other newspaper jobs they hold.

Jerry died last week. A blood clot in his lung ended his life at 52.

A memorial service for Jerry is being held in Columbus as I write this. I wish I could have attended, but I had far too many duties in town here to get away. I remember the last time I saw him. It was in the press box at Jordan-Hare Stadium last September. I never thought it would be for the last time. He was smiling then too.