MF “Little Bill” Rutledge IV and his brother Shawn were raised with a passion for plumbing and serving the community. With 63 combined years of experience, Little Bill and Shawn grew up learning the trade from their father, grandfather and Uncle Norman Norsworthy.
After making a lateral move, they’re proud to announce the opening of Rutledge Plumbing LLC, in conjunction with Rutledge Road Boring.
Little Bill and Shawn remember going to job sites after school, on weekends and during summer. Working with their family was their hobby.
“Working with them has given my brother Shawn and I some of the best times of our life,” said Bill IV.
Their love for the community was instrumental in the decision to offer this new business venture to Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn and Red River Parishes. The Rutledge family appreciates the support and encouragement it’s received from the communities it serves.
MF Rutledge II started MF Rutledge Plumbing and Heating in the Fall of 1947 with the support of his wife Otho. They ran the business out of their home on Berry Avenue and it soon proved to be a success.
The location moved to Texas Street around 1980, but MF Rutledge Plumbing and Heating has been a family owned business for 70 years. According to the family, about 90 percent of plumbers working in the Natchitoches area have roots back to the business.
MF “Bill” Rutledge III went to work beside his father at an early age. He married Noreen Bennett and they worked alongside family members and many friends until she passed in 2003 after 41 years of marriage. Bill passed in July, 2017.
Opening Rutledge Plumbing LLC to keep the family tradition alive, Bill IV (A master plumber for 25 years) and Shawn (A master plumber for 12 years) appreciate the outpouring of love and support they’ve received from family, friends and the numerous contractors associated with their father and grandfather.
“It’s what we were raised doing,” said Bill IV. “It’s in our blood. It’s what we do. It’s our family.”
Family was a factor in Bill IV and Shawn’s new business venture. Bill and his wife Nancy have one son, MF “Quinten” Rutledge V and two daughters, LeAnn and Meaghan. Shawn and his wife Bonnie have two sons, Hayden and Kort.
“Just like we worked with our father and grandfather, we wanted to have some forward thought for the future of our families,” said Bill IV. “When you think about starting a business you think of your family.”
Among the employees, who are all considered part of the Rutledge family that will be working with Bill IV and Shawn, are Matt Robinson, 50+ years experience; Joe Robinson, 35+ years experience; Joseph Robinson, 15+ years experience; and Charles McGaskey Jr., 15+ years experience.
Call 318-352-3475 or email rutledgeplumbing@hotmail.com for service work, remodeling and all your plumbing needs. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7 am – 4 pm. Emergency calls only after hours.
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.