Edward Rudolph

Edward Lee "Rudy" Rudolph passed away at 11:01 p.m. on June 4, 2016, at The Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Lourdes. He was a member of The Church of Christ most recently attending Central Church of Christ and previously a member and deacon at Broadway Church of Christ. Edward was born on July 6, 1942 in Detroit. He graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1960. Edward started working for Banks Grocery Company that same year and many still remember him as the manager of the Jackson Street Wonder Market. He was known for his tremendous work ethic, and it was this attribute that led to him joining a start-up chain of grocery stores that ultimately made him the President and CEO of R&M Grocery Company, which operated the Food World stores in Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.

An avid golfer, he was a long time member of The Country Club of Paducah, where he proudly shot a hole in one. Edward also enjoyed a trip in 1996 with his son to The Masters, traveled with a group to Scotland in 2001 to play golf, and played in the pro-am at the Dinah Shore Classic in California.

His dedication to work and his love of golf though could never match the love he held for his family. He married Jane McCuan on April 22, 1966, and together they had 50 years filled with love. They raised two children, Eric and Ashlee and he had much pride as he watched them both become successful adults with families of their own. The most of his pride though was bestowed on his three beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Allee, and Hunter. There were trips to karate tournaments, countless football games, and times spent at the family condo in Florida where all three loved to talk Da into a game of mini golf. His love for them was deep and unending.

Some of the things his family will remember the most were his love for Joe Namath and the New York Jets, Elvis Presley, and listening to oldies music on the music channel. Going for a ride in the convertible to see the river, get a "Donald's" ice cream cone and if he was lucky, maybe a lottery ticket. How he would start singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town in October, and countless "Da-isms".

In September of 1999, his and everyone who loved him lives were changed when he suffered the first two of twelve strokes which would lead him to numerous disabilities and eventually enough brain damage to bring on dementia. He was forced to retire and for the next 17 years he fought to stay with his family. His wife, Jane took on the role of caregiver and has remained faithfully by his side through it all. That faithfulness was never more evident as she stood an almost constant vigil at his bedside these last nine weeks. He was surrounded by her and his loving family as he slipped away to join The Lord he loved and served.

Edward is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jane McCuan Rudolph. Son, Eric (Cathy) Rudolph of Paducah. Daughter, Ashlee (James) Bray of Barlow. Sister, Patricia (Wayne) Solomon of Paducah. Grandchildren, Jackson and Allee Rudolph of Paducah and Hunter Bray of Barlow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Rudolph and Kathleen Rudolph Clements.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Jim Faughn officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

In lieu of flowers the Rudolph family asks that donations be made to: The Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, P.O. Box 7100 Paducah, KY 42002-7100.