Rhudene Hardegree Gullage

Rhudene Hardegree Gullage, age 93, went to be with her Lord on January 30, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. Born on February 28, 1919, in Vienna, Ga. (Dooly County), she was the fifth of eight children born to Harmon Berry and Tommie Lorena Hardegree. Rhudene is preceded in death by her husband, William (Billy) McNabb Gullage and son-in-law, Dr. James S. Lewis, Md. She is survived by daughters, Peggy J. Lewis (Dr. James S. (deceased)) of Searcy, Ark. and Gwen Payne (Van) of Richmond Va.; grandchildren Susan Canavan (Brad) of Sudbury, Mass. and Dr. James S. Lewis Jr. (Daniela) of St. Louis, Mo.; great grandchildren, Will and Lydia Canavan of Sudbury, MA and Jennifer Payne of Richmond, Va. Surviving siblings include Harmon B. Hardegree, Jr. and Betty Hardegree Scott. Brothers and sisters preceding Rhudene in death are Lorena Hardegree Alexander, DL. Hardegree, Imogene Hardegree Kennedy, Thomas Hardegree, and Cornelia Hardegree. Also surviving Rhudene are many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Rhudene graduated with honors from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Ga., with a B.S. in Business. While working in Albany, Ga., Rhudene met William McNabb Gullage, whom she married on July 17, 1942. Billy and Rhudene spent most of their married life in Jackson, Miss., where they raised their family, made lifelong friendships, and enjoyed their church fellowship. Billy lost his battle with cancer in January, 1979. Rhudene made her home in Searcy, Ark. for the last 16 years. Rhudene was a legal secretary at the firm of Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC, in Jackson, Miss., for many years. She had a strong Christian faith and was always active in her churches, Calvary Baptist (Jackson, Miss.), First Baptist Church (Jackson, Miss.), and First United Methodist Church (Searcy, Ark). Rhudene was a loving and caring person who loved being of service to God, her family and her friends. She loved serving in mission organizations, serving as a hospital volunteer, teaching Sunday School, taking sourdough bread to friends and reaching out to the needs around her. A service celebrating Rhudene's life will be held February 3, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, Searcy, Ark. with Rev. David Orr and Rev. Tony Griffin officiating. Visitation with the family will be at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with the memorial service to follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Jackson, Miss. on February 4, 2013, at 2 p.m. Arrangements made by Powell Funeral Home, Searcy, Ark. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church, 302 N. Main Street, Searcy, Ark. 72143 or the White County Medical Foundation, 3214 East Race Avenue, Searcy, Ark 72143, (designation to the Cancer Center of Excellence). www.powellfuneralhome.net.