GREENVILLE – Gerrill J. (Rudy) (Butch) Rudolph, 84, of Greenville, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in the gracious care of the Linda White Hospice Center in Evansville, Ind.. Born March 22, 1941 in Boonville, Ind., Butch attended Ella Williams School, then Boonville High School where he met his sweetheart Brenda Hart. In 1961 they moved to Greenville for Rudy’s lifelong career as a proud UMWA coal miner for Sinclair, Ralph Rogers, and Peabody Coal. While a coal miner, Rudy held several jobs: roof bolter, haul truck driver, supply truck driver, welder, and member of the crew to finally disassemble the famous Bucyrus Erie 3850 Lot 2 shovel. He proudly pointed out the shovel’s burial site to interested visitors.
As a master craftsman, Butch steamed Windsor chair arms, and built numerous pie safes, cabinets, and shelves. He and Brenda renovated their 1912 home with beautiful wood trim and furniture throughout their 65 years. He designed and built his meticulous garage and apartment for the family. His unique stained glass skills were self-taught and became family treasures. Dedad’s garage was a fun, nostalgic, inviting refuge for grandkids and great-grandkids. Memories were made, and we miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Brenda and daughter Melissa Kunkel.
Survivors include a brother, Jamie Vincent of Central City; sister, Vicki King of Jacksonville, Fla.; children, Melinda Rudolph, Bryan Rudolph of Colorado Springs, Colo., Melanie Boggess; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy go to the Linda White Hospice Center in Evansville, Ind. or First Presbyterian Church Cub Scout Pack 3040 of Greenville, Ky.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.garysfuneralhome.net
