Mr. Elser Rufus Cuthrell, Sr., 75, affectionately known as "Papaw" or "Deac", departed this life on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 with his wife by his side.

He was born October 21, 1947 in Davidson County to the late George Sr. and Elizabeth Cuthrell. He attended Davidson County Public schools and was a 1965 graduate of Dunbar High School.

Rufus was married on December 21, 1969 to his devoted wife, Alberta Cuthrell and to this union were born three children: Tomarraw Elizabeth (Tobie) Cuthrell, Rufus (Bro) Cuthrell, Jr. and Hamilton (Hamp) Cuthrell. Preceding him in death were two of his children, Tobie and Bro; four brothers: George Cuthrell, Jr., Herman Cuthrell, Sr., Lloyd Cuthrell and Perry Cuthrell.

Rufus was employed by A&P Supermarket in the early 1970's and retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco company in 2004 after 29 years or service.

Rufus was a devoted life member of Goodwill Baptist Church. At Goodwill, he served on the Trustee Board, in the Choir, as a Janitor, as a Yard Man, as a Maintenance Man, in the Youth department, as a Sunday school administrator, on the Men's Ministry and was the Head Deacon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 54 years, Alberta Cuthrell; one son, Hamilton (Kiona) Cuthrell of Winston-Salem NC; a daughter-in-law, Taijuan Cuthrell; one brother, Mathew (Jane) Cuthrell of El Paso, TX; seven grandchildren: Jaya Williams, Alisha Williams, Anna Cuthrell-Tompkins (Colin), Tatiyona Cuthrell, Jalen Williams, Ashanti Cuthrell and Mikael Cuthrell; two great-grandsons, Messiah Benekin and Sekani Cuthrell-Tompkins; five sisters-in-law: Julia Hamilton, Geraldine (Leon) Wall, Shirley Hamilton, Pecolia Cuthrell, Ella Mae Bush and a host of nieces, nephews and Goodwill Baptist Church family.