Joseph Kavanough "Kavie" Rutherford

Joseph Kavanough “Kavie” Rutherford, 61, passed away unexpectedly November 10, 2021.  

Kavie was born in Lexington, South Carolina on August 28, 1960, son of the late Joseph Walker Rutherford Sr. and Nell Tarrant Able. Kavie graduated from Pelion High and went on to achieve his Bachelors at Armstrong State. He continued to reside and raise his family in Savannah. He was an entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses in his lifetime, including one which provided medical equipment to underprivileged persons in the Savannah community.  He was a devoted member of St.James Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus # 631

He is survived by his significant other, Joanne Hinnant, three sons, Chris Jenkins, Joseph Rutherford, Jr. (Hannah), Jonathan K. Rutherford, his beloved grandchildren, Walker and Preslie, mother, Nell Tarrant Able, his three sisters, Rachel Rutherford Scurry (Robbie), Lisa Rutherford Locke (Dick), and Rebecca Rutherford Kenner (Tony), as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Kavie was a friend to all, never met a stranger, and gladly shared his spirited opinions with everyone. His warm personality lit up every room. As a die hard South Carolina Gamecock fan and loyal Pelion Panther, his favorite times were spending his days on his land in Pelion and watching his Gamecocks with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by many, but especially the Savannah/Columbia communities. His heart was even bigger than his personality, as he gave so much to the communities he loved and valued. He easily would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need. Kavie was truly one of a kind. 

Please join the family for a celebration of life on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Knights of Columbus #631, located 3 W Liberty Street in Savannah at 4 pm.

Services will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 am.  A graveside service will be held at his final resting place at the Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, South Carolina at 4 pm also on Monday, November 15th.  

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Springfield Cemetery Fund. 

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