David Paul Rudder

Rudder, David Paul, age 60, passed away on March 28, 2018. David was born on May 12, 1957. He is preceded in death by his mother Ann Rudder, brother Stephen Rudder, step-brother Kevin Rudder, nephew Sam Sterling, and father-in-law Jonathan Burnett, Sr. David is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Martha Burnett Rudder, daughter and son-in-law Eliza and Brent Dickenson, daughter Hannah Rudder, grandchildren Webb and Grace Dickenson, father and stepmother Paul and Sue Rudder, sisters Lisa Sterling (Steve), Carol Coode (Tim), and Amy Rudder, mother-in-law Nancy Burnett, brothers and sisters-in -law Jon and Debbie Burnett and David and Marjorie Burnett, and several nieces and nephews. David was a man full of boundless energy and unconditional love for all, especially his family. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Knoxville. He loved all things sports, specifically football and golf, and could recite facts about both dating back for decades with precise detail. He practiced dentistry in Knoxville for over 30 years and loved interacting with all of his patients. David graduated from Bearden High School, Knoxville, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Martha Burnett, and played football and baseball. He was later named Quarterback of Bearden's Half-Century Team. He went on to play football at the University of Tennessee, where he was a Letterman, setting 2 passing records. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1980, and went on to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985. David never knew a stranger and always made those around him feel important and loved. Above all else, he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. They were the light of his life and there was never a day that they didn't know and feel his great love. His spirit and love for life were contagious and he always lived each day to the fullest. A service for the celebration of David's life will be held on Friday, March 30 at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Trentham Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of David be made to First Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.

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David Paul Rudder

May 12, 1957 - March 28, 2018