Obituary of Roy Clarence Rutherford Jr.

Roy (Chip) Clarence Rutherford Jr. was reunited with his wife Mary Ann Rutherford on July 23, 2023 after a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by his children. Chip was born to Doris (Read) Rutherford and Roy Clarence Rutherford Sr. He was one of 13 siblings Evelyn Carpenter, Margaret (George) Davis, John Rutherford, Paul Rutherford Sr., Ann (David) Cain, Judy (John) Willis, Gail Rutherford, Susannah Homesberger, Wanda (Al) Townsend, Glenn Rutherford, Kirk (Janeen) Rutherford, Scott Rutherford.

Chip and Maryann were married on December 23, 1977 and raised 6 children together including Joe (Nichole) Brandt, Penelope Salter, Teresa Alvine, Renee (Vito) Andriaccio, Rhonda Rutherford and Roy “Moose” Rutherford III. They shared 14 grandchildren, Andrew Payne, Tuesday Goodband, Cody Brandt, Ryan Rutherford, Ukari Mulkey, Nickolas Brandt, Joseph Brandt Jr., Dakota Rumschik, Reese Rutherford, Peyton Brandt, Rylee Rutherford, Austin Rumschik, Jayden Rutherford, Elise Andriaccio and 9 great grandchildren.

Chip was a Paratrooper and a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, 1st Air Cavalry, from 1967-1969 and served in the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Silver Star Award and 3 Purple Hearts. Chip spent his life as an over the road truck driver and working in construction as the owner of R and R Construction.

Chip was well-known in the stock car and super truck racing circuits as “White Lightnin” #2 and raced at Lancaster, Perry and Genesee Speedways and in the Figure 8 and demolition derbies. He was the patriarch of his family and was a “go to” guy to many, many more. He was quick witted, with a carefree personality and outspoken attitude. Chip always had a joke and a nickname for everyone.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 29th at 2 PM in Roy's backyard, 6030 Crosby Road, Lockport.  Inurnment with his wife Maryann will be in the Western NY National Cemetery with Military Honors.  Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.