Clifford Odell Rutledge, Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Famer, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the age of 92.
A beloved figure in the Chattahoochee Valley, Clifford Odell Rutledge, affectionately known as Cliff Rutledge, left behind his family; however, intricate details surrounding his wife remain unknown.
During his acceptance speech for his induction into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame, Rutledge praised his wife for her support and love.
He mentioned that although she rarely spoke about his career, whenever something positive happened, she would proudly share the news with her friends, which he found really cute.
Meanwhile, the prime cause of demise remains unknown. His family has yet to break the silence about his passing.
Not many of you might know that Rutledge played as a quarterback on the junior team at Alabama A&M.
Rutledge was the principal of Susie E. Allen Elementary in Phoenix City. Likewise, he also served as director of the Phoenix City Head Start and adult education programs.
He retired from the Phoenix City School system after 40 years of service.
In 2012, Cliff was honored as a community legend by the Sam Mark Foundation, an organization that helps children, which was started by Sam Mitchell and fellow Hall of Fame Inductee Mark Shop.
The funeral service for Clifford Odell Rutledge is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Nichols Chapel AME Church in Phenix City.
Rutledge will be laid to rest at the Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
He is a graduate of Alabama A&M and received his master’s from Tuskegee University.
Clifford Rutledge, a Graduate of Alabama A&M, Was Inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014!
Rutledge had a successful broadcasting career, which began in the early 1950s.
He hosted a Sunday morning gospel show on the old WCLS Radio before moving to Davis Broadcasting’s WOKS station.
Thanks to his skills and personality, he quickly became a household name.
Rutledge was well-known for his coverage of local sports events, including the historic first interracial football game between Carver High School and a high school from Savannah, which drew over 15,000 spectators.
His dedication to sports broadcasting earned him a place in the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Throughout his career, Rutledge covered numerous significant events.
From the early 1960s to 2012, he broadcast all but three of the Tuskegee vs. Morehouse football games.
Likewise, for 24 years, Rutledge was behind the mic during the Fort Valley Wildcats vs. Albany State Rams games in Columbus.
Rutledge also provided commentary for the fourth-round basketball game between Carver High School and Albany High School and the championship football games of Carver and Shaw High Schools in the Georgia Dome, now known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Similarly, his voice was a constant presence at the championship games between Spencer High School and Lucy Laney High School in the 1960s.
Rutledge appreciated his professional relationships with Carlos Williams, William Thomas, Ed Harbison, Albert Smith, Eddie Longshore, Mike Sapp, and Warren Palmer.
In addition to his sports broadcasting, Rutledge was known for his Sunday gospel broadcasts.
Meanwhile, we offer our heartfelt condolence to the extended family of Rutledge.
