Robert William Rutter Jr's Obituary
The Honorable Robert William Rutter Jr. “Bill” passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by his family. He was born July 22, 1942, in Ohio to Robert William Rutter Sr. and Adda Beth (Clabaugh) Rutter.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years Dee Rutter, children Patrick Rutter of Jupiter (Anne), Matthew Rutter of Ft. Myers (Lisa) and Amy Shockley of Gainesville (Todd) and five grandchildren, Davis Shockley, Kyle Rutter, Allie Shockley, Ryan Rutter, and Riley Rutter.
Bill graduated from the University of Florida with his bachelor’s degree in 1964 and Masters in 1965. He continued his education earning his UF Law degree in 1967. He moved to West Palm Beach, FL where he began practicing law and then later moved into public service as County Attorney. In 1979, he became a circuit court judge, eventually serving as Chief Judge for Palm Beach County. He returned to private practice in 1989, retiring from the law firm Sonneborn, Rutter, Cooney, & Klingensmith in 2016.
Bill and Dee spent many joyful years traveling to their cabin in Beech Mountain, NC and were often joined by family. Time in the mountains golfing and taking his beloved golden retrievers to the fields for a run was cherished.
Of course, anyone who met Bill, knew he was an avid Gator fan. He attended football games for over 60 years and supported his Gators in good seasons and bad. All of his children and two of his grandchildren attended the University of Florida ensuring many years of UF sports, visits, and graduations. When it came time to retire, he and Dee moved to Gainesville allowing him full seasons of football and basketball. He was a lifelong Gator and enjoyed every moment of it!
As much as he loved his Gators, there was nothing more important to Bill than his family. He took care of them, showing love in the everyday gestures of life; a phone call to check in, an offer to go to a game, listening to the stories of their lives with a smile. He was easy to talk to, had good advice, and was slow to offer an opinion.
Bill was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was honest, fair, and so very kind. He will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of life gathering will be held in West Palm Beach at Quattlebaum Funeral Cremation and Event Center.
The family will receive visitors Saturday, February 24th from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local Hospice organization.
Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center
5411 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
561-832-5171
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