Ernest “E.R.” Rudder, 74, Bush Fire Department, died in the line of duty of COVID-19. Throughout his life dedicated to serving others, E.R. set a high professional bar, served as a wonderful role model, and made a positive impact. A founding member of the Bush Fire Department, he served his community for 30 years as a volunteer firefighter, a Sheriff’s Deputy (Sgt.- Ret.), a biology teacher (30 years), a principal (16 years), and a school bus driver. Describing himself as a “jack of all trades and master of none.” He loved traveling and watching The History Channel, Pawn Stars, and The Pickers, was known to smoke a pipe, and appreciated a John Deer tractor. A man of faith, he served as a deacon of Providence Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of Gideons International. His childhood sweetheart, and wife of 54 years, Judy, “was the only girl I ever dated,” and he noticed her ‘‘With your pigtails and big brown eyes,’’ before they were even in 8th grade, E.R. said. Spending time with his mother, brother and sister, his children, Dawn and Marc, grandchildren and great grandson, who E.R. considered his biggest rewards, were his most cherished moments.
