Kei’Aires Rutledge, affectionately called “La’Nard” was born September 1, 1988 to parents, LaShunda Brown and Keith Rutledge.  He was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  A few years later he moved to Thomasville, Georgia to be close to family and friends.
He attended the City School System of Thomasville, Georgia where he graduated from Thomasville High in the class of 2007.  He was very popular in school and enjoyed being around the cool kids.  He had a quiet personality until he got to know you then the laughter would begin.  Over the years he lived life between Thomasville, Georgia and Thomaston, Georgia where he enjoyed meeting new family and friends.
Kei’Aire’s was reared in a Christian home; his late Great Grandfather Rev. Thomas J. Isom and Great Grandmother, Helen Isom were instrumental in ‘pouring-in the Word of God’ into all their children and grandchildren.  At an early age, he joined St. Thomas A.M.E. Church in Thomasville, Georgia where he served as an Acolyte, youth choir member, Y.P.D.  president and youth Usher Board.
La’Nard, as he was known to many, fought a long battle with Sickle Cell Disease.  Just like his sister, Diamond Rutledge, he did not let this disease totally control his life.  Diamond lost her battle to Sickle Cell Disease on October 26, 2011.  He was able to achieve a lot during his tenure here including truck driving and automotive courses at local technical school.  La’Nard was very kind and loving that during his sickness, his mother was a major priority.  Ultimately, he ended his struggle with Sickle Cell on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Archbold Memorial Hospital.  His soul found heavenly delight and took flight with the Lord and other family members who preceded him in death:  Maternal Grandmother, Jacqueline L. Johnson; Maternal Grandfather, Leroy Brown; Aunt, Kimala Hughley; Sister, Diamond Rutledge; Paternal grandparents, John Glover Rutledge and Mary Lou Rutledge and Paternal Great Grandparents. 
He leaves to mourn his demise, his loving and caring mother, LaShunda Brown of Thomasville, Georgia; his father, Keith Rutledge (Willene) of LaGrange, Georgia; his stepfather, Frank Clark of Orlando, Florida; brother, Keith Rutledge, Jr. of LaGrange, Georgia; God-mother, Rev. Dr. Patricia Patterson; God-father, Raleigh McNish of Thomasville, Georgia; God-brothers Tyrique Davis of Columbus, Georgia and Brandon Williams of Thomasville, Georgia, Quinton Spivey of Thomasville, Georgia; Adopted-sister Cierra Quiller of Thomaston, Georgia; Aunt, Rhonda Russell (Bo Bo) of Atlanta, Georgia,  Keisha Cox (Samuel) of Gainesville, Georgia, and Victoria Carr of Bainbridge, Georgia; Uncles, Jared Adams of Atlanta, Georgia and John Glover Rutledge, Jr. of LaGrange, Georgia; God-Son, Allen Karmez DePrince Lyons of Thomaston, Georgia.  He also leaves to cherish his memories a devoted aunt, Cecily Griggs-Forbes; devoted cousins, Perazia Hughley, Travion Hughley, Shaquana Gibson and Raymond Gibson and God-grandmother, Roberta Emanuel all of Thomasville, Georgia.  And a host of cousins and other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.