HR 40

HR40 189345-1 By Representative Hanes RFD: First Read: 11-JAN-18 189345-1:n:02/03/2017:JEC/jec LRS2017-3860 RECOGNIZING RUDDER FUNERAL HOME ON ITS 103RD ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, highest commendations are herein proudly presented to Rudder Funeral Home on the momentous occasion of its 103rd Anniversary; and WHEREAS, the highly esteemed family business traces its roots to 1914 when "Mr. Jack" Rudder and Colonel Ben Ellis started a venture that provided caskets and a horse-drawn hearse service; and WHEREAS, "Mr. Jack" Rudder became sole owner of Rudder Funeral Home upon the death of Colonel Ben Ellis and expanded and modernized the business in 1927 with the purchase of a motorized hearse; and WHEREAS, shortly thereafter, second generation A.G. "Dinky" Rudder began working at Rudder Funeral Home and completed mortuary school at Gupton-Jones in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1932; and WHEREAS, in the early 1950s, third generation John E. Rudder, began working at Rudder Funeral Home and completed his education at Gupton-Jones in Nashville in 1957; he worked alongside his father, A.G. "Dinky" Rudder, until the passing of A.G. "Dinky" Rudder in August 1967; and WHEREAS, the fourth generation began to work in the family business in 1977, and John Cook Rudder graduated Mortuary School in Birmingham at Jefferson State Community College in 1982; and WHEREAS, the Rudders purchased and began renovating the old Word Funeral Home in Scottsboro, Alabama, in April 1983; Rudder Funeral Home hosted open house on Sunday, June 1, 1984; and WHEREAS, in 2002, fifth generation Lucas Rudder began working at the funeral home, and he graduated from Jefferson State Community College in 2008; and WHEREAS, the distinguished women of the Rudder family have made considerable contributions to the development of Rudder Funeral home as well; Mary Anna Rudder, wife of A.G. "Dinky" Rudder established a flower shop near the funeral home when it was located near the old Simpson home; a new flower shop was built behind the funeral home when it relocated to a new facility in 1975; and WHEREAS, through the years, the Rudder family has earned widespread admiration and respect for their tireless dedication and exceptional abilities; they have exceeded expectations in providing the community with remarkable service; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That Rudder Funeral Home is highly honored and commended on the occasion of its 103rd Anniversary, and this resolution is offered to the Rudder family in deepest admiration and appreciation for their immeasurable service, as well as with sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.