Charles Carlton "Carl" Rutherford
Chief Yeoman, U.S. Navy

Charles Carlton Rutherford was born on 2 September 1921 in Tazewell, VA. Raised in Tazewell, he graduated from Tazewell High School then enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

During World War II, Rutherford, a Chief Yeoman, served in Hawaii and on Guam and was responsible for the administration of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz' headquarters and for the handling of the Pacific Fleet's classified communications.

Discharged from the Navy in 1946, he attended McClain's Business College in Bluefield, WV, then worked in grocery store management for several years. Rutherford later sold mechanical equipment and eventually started his own successful realty firm. He served for many years on the board of the Bluefield Union Mission and on the City Planning Commission.

He was the last surviving member of the staff of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. At his death, he was probably the last direct participant in the 2 September 1945, surrender of Japan.

Death and Burial

Chief Yeoman Charles Carlton Rutherford died on 26 October 2011 in Bluefield, WV. He is buried at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.