Danny Sims Rutherford

Danny Sims Rutherford, a distinguished civil engineer and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Shepherd Hospice in Southaven, MS. Born on June 4, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, Danny’s life was characterized by dedication, integrity, and a genuine passion for both his profession and personal pursuits.

A man of remarkable intellect and character, Danny graduated from Hernando High School where he was honored as class president. He pursued higher education with determination, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University. His career was marked by significant accomplishments, primarily as a self-employed civil engineer and surveyor. Among his notable roles, he served as the site engineer for the Horn Lake Creek Basin Interceptor Sewer and later as City Engineer for the City of Horn Lake, Mississippi., where his commitment to excellence was evident in every project he undertook. Danny helped design and build DeSoto County during the massive growth spurt of the 1990’s and thereafter, sometimes with a compass and a cloth tape, and later with state-of-the-art satellite assisted equipment. Because of his work, woods and bottoms lands are now roads, golf courses, and manicured lawns.

Danny was known for his perfectionism; he always insisted on doing things the right way and held himself and others to the highest standards. Yet, alongside this meticulous nature, he carried a great sense of humor that endeared him to colleagues, friends, and family alike. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing tennis and later became a dedicated golfer. He had a lifelong appreciation for activity and wellness. He was an avidreader and amateur ornithologist, a passion that brought him joy and an acute appreciation of nature’s beauty. For over a decade, he participated in the Thursday morning Men’s Breakfast at theHernando First Presbyterian Church where he made biscuits each week.

Danny is deeply mourned by those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind his devoted wife of fifty years, Leigh Ann Rutherford; his cherished children, Matt Rutherford and his wife Elizabeth, and Merrileigh Rutherford and her husband Michael Bigelow. He was a proud grandfather to Cara Davenport, Allyn Rutherford, and Tiernan Rutherford Bigelow, whose lives he touched profoundly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Mable Rutherford, and his brother Gene Rutherford.

A Memorial Service for Danny will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, located at 1750 Union Avenue in Memphis, TN 38104. Following the Memorial Service there will be a Celebration of Life reception at Hernando Hills Golf and Racquet Club located at 1000 Bradley Dr., Hernando, MS 38632, for family, friends, and those who were impacted by his life.

Danny Sims Rutherford’s life was a testament to dedication and love—qualities that will remain an enduring legacy with those who were fortunate enough to share in his journey. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his kindness, humor, and pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the music department at the Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis.