Billy John Rule

Billy John Rule, age 87, of Rutledge, passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 unexpectedly at home. Bill was born in Sevier County and lived there until moving to Rutledge in 1985. He graduated from Sevier County High School in 1944. After high school, he worked for Standard Mills in Knoxville where he met the eternal love of his life, Evelyn Farrar. They were married May 19, 1951. Bill went to work at Brown Custom Cabinets in 1952, where he stayed for 35 years making beautiful furniture and cabinets. After he left Brown’s, he worked for the Water Circus and later Dixie Stampede when it was built in 1987. Bill retired from there in 1992. Bill’s love for his wife and family was unconditional and meant everything to him. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Farrar Rule who passed on May 17, 2016, two days before their 65th wedding anniversary. Bill is now back in her loving arms where he always belonged. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Estelle Walker Rule; father, B. Wiley Rule; and brother-in-law, James C. Hurst. Bill is survived by son and daughter-in-law, James and Gail Rule; daughter, Karen Denise Rule and her special friend, Larry Peleska; granddaughter, Jennifer Rule Fox and husband, Robert W. Fox II; grandson, Cody Lee Gryder and fiancé, Ashley Belcher; great-grandchildren, Cassandra Dawn and Alexandria Marie Fox; great-granddaughter born December 8, 2016, Ariannah Noell Gryder; sisters, Mirian “Mick” McMahan and husband, Harry and Clara Hurst; several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to all of Bill and Evelyn’s special friends at Cracker Barrel in Strawberry Plains for their devoted care and support. Pallbearer honors will be provided by Mansel Seals, Brad Whitt, David Hodges, Everett Gray, Morgan Gray, and Robert Fox II. Funeral service 7:30 pm Monday, January 30, 2017 at Fielden Chapel with Rev. Stacy Lawson officiating. Interment 10:00 am Tuesday in Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutledge. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 - 7:30 pm prior to the service at Fielden Funeral Home in New Market.

Billy John Rule

July 14, 1929 - January 27, 2017