Tom Rudolph, age 71, a resident of Greenville, died June 7, 2010. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Lewis Caldwell, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Tom (or “Shug,” as he was affectionately known) was born January 8, 1939 in Calhoun, Ala., to proud parents Dan and Lizzy Rudolph who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his sister, Arnell Jones and granddaughter Tamika L. Rudolph.
Tom received Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age. He was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Letohatchee.
Tom graduated from high school and joined the United States Army in January 1964. During his military service, Tom attained a variety of skills, which earned him several honorable acknowledgements such as: Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter, to name a few.
He fought to defend his country in the Vietnam War and received a Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Tom was honorably discharged in 1968 and was immediately hired at General Motors Manufacturing where he retired after over 30 years of dedicated services. He and his wife relocated to Greenville in 1998 where Tom spent the remainder of his life enjoying quality time with his family and friends.
Having been blessed with many days of joy, Tom moved on to heaven on June 7, 2010 and leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of 12 years, Hattie Rudolph, his three dedicated brothers, Ernest (Mary) Rudolph, Willie (Florine) Rudolph, Barly (Mary) Perry and his two beautiful sisters, Autry (Alonzo) Montgomery and Debra Perry, his two devoted sisters-in-law, Fannie and Louise, three supportive brothers-in-law, Will, Johnny and Jimmy, and his best friend of over 40 years, Vernon Stuart, all of Detroit, Michigan.
Having instilled morals and values, Tom leaves to continue his legacy five loving daughters, Karen (Michael) Rudolph-Smith, Trina (Vincent) Rudolph-Davis, Michelle Roberson, Tracey Hill, Aretina Hill, and two sons, Antonio Rudolph and Lydell Whetstone; nine grandchildren, Kiara, Simar, Essence, Alizanae, Chantelle, Artez, Bonita, Lyfell Jr. and Tyler, and one great-grandson, Karter. He’s been blessed to have a host of loving aunts. Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.