Wayne Sims "Joe" Rutherford

Wayne Sims “Joe” Rutherford, whose editorial voice helped define the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal’s mission and leadership role for nearly four decades, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 of complications from diabetes. He was 69.

Rutherford, who as a small child chose to have himself called Joe, enjoyed a career with the Daily Journal that spanned 44 years, most of that time as editorial page editor after stints as a reporter and managing editor. From the early 1980s until his retirement at the end of 2016, Rutherford wrote most of the unsigned opinions that represented the Journal’s institutional viewpoint.



His editorials on education, transportation and other critical issues influenced many public policy debates at the local, regional and state levels through the years. He was widely admired across the political spectrum as a knowledgeable and fair-minded writer.

In addition to his role as an award-winning journalist, Joe was a mentor to countless young journalists and a dear and loyal friend to many, both at the newspaper and in the wider Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi community. For many years he was the institutional memory of the Daily Journal and the go-to person for his friends and colleagues when they wanted to know more about any person or place related to the area. His memory was astounding and he loved to recount the details for a willing audience.

Joe’s life was grounded in a profound faith. He had a deep interest in theology and its implications for both public and private life.



A celebration of his life is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church with W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors of Tupelo in charge of arrangements. Visitation will begin at noon in the church’s McFadden Hall.



Born, Feb. 12, 1948, in Corinth, he was the only child of Lora Sims Rutherford and Odell Rutherford. He graduated from Ripley High School and was especially proud of a brief time he studied at Oxford, England. He also was a loyal and stout supporter of his alma mater, the University of Mississippi.



He enjoyed talking about his longtime associations with iconic Journal leaders George and Anna Keirsey McLean, as well as Tupelo visionary Jack Reed, Sr., and took their community development tenets to heart about the future of his home region.



A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo, Joe taught Sunday School and for many years was active on the Hospitality Committee, especially in organizing events and cooking food for them. Recently, he told friends about how he helped make more than 500 biscuits for a church celebration and assisted with an impressive “feed” of the Tupelo High School football team at the church. He also was a dog lover and enjoyed travel, especially with his best friend Jim High of Tupelo.



He was an Eagle Scout and a dedicated supporter of the Scouting movement.

In addition to High, Joe is survived by first cousins, Ann Heard Downing of Dunwoody, Ga., Mickey Rutherford of Meridian and Mevelyn Baxter of Hernando; and a god-daughter, Margaret Bardwell McDaniel of New Orleans, La.



The child of educators, Joe had a keen interest in the state of education for Mississippi’s children and staunchly supported many efforts to improve and more fully fund the state’s public school system.



He won numerous honors for news and feature writing. In addition to writing daily editorials, Joe, who once considered attending seminary, took great care in crafting religious themed opinions in Saturday’s editions.



His family suggests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 W Jefferson Street, Tupelo, MS 38804.



Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .