Rufus Theodore “RT” Hereford, 87, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Born on April 2, 1938, in Fayetteville, he lived a full and accomplished life rooted in his love of family, community and the land he cherished.
Rufus attended Kelso School, Central High School and Sewanee Military Academy before earning degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and LSU Banking School. His professional journey was marked by dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. He began as a correspondent for First American Bank before serving as President of Peoples Bank of Elk Valley. Rufus owned and operated Hereford Brothers Farms, Kelso General Store & Canoe Rental, Fayetteville Beauty School and Salon 201.
Rufus was a member of the Tennessee Bankers Association and served on the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology. He also contributed to local causes as a member of Friends of the Elk River, the Kiwanis Club and the Kelso Cemetery Board. His commitment to service reflected his belief in giving back to the people and places that shaped his life.
Rufus loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed water skiing, fishing, hunting, camping, playing & watching sports and spending time on his farm. A man of faith, Rufus attended Kelso Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Margaret Branham Hereford; children, Rebecca Shawn Brewer, Cowle Branham Hereford, Alicia Hereford (Lee) Maddox, Rufus Theodore Hereford, Jr., and Joseph Strong Hereford; Grandchildren, William Barrett Brewer, Lee Oscar Brewer, James Neal Brewer, Branham Payne Maddox, Louis Hereford Maddox, Joseph Strong “Jay” Hereford, Jr., and Sean Ben Hereford; as well as his aunt Gereline Scruggs Hereford and sister-in-law, Bonnie Carter Hereford; and numerous cousins. Rufus was predeceased by his parents, James Strong Hereford and Nell Cowley Hereford, and his brother James Strong Hereford, Jr.
A graveside service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Kelso Cemetery with Rev. Ann Hatcher and Rev. Tony Gaskin officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kelso Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 28, Kelso, TN 37348, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
Rufus’s legacy is one of hard work, devotion to family, and deep connection with his community.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Rufus Theodore “RT” Hereford.
21 Comments To "Rufus Theodore “RT” Hereford"
#1 Comment By Heather Hamlin Brown On February 22, 2026 @ 7:59 pm
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Prayers for you all during this time.
#2 Comment By Cordelia Tanner On February 23, 2026 @ 8:22 am
Oh , so sorry for your loss. He once came to Sr. Center and exercised with us. Then got his crew to come to the center and give us beauty tips and facials. And once we came to the beauty school and they demonstrated their trades on us. RIP Rufus Cordelia Tanner
#3 Comment By Spank OBarr On February 23, 2026 @ 10:54 am
Close friend, use to be neighbors. Had some great times together. Will really miss RT. Love the whole family.
#4 Comment By Janet Lindsay On February 23, 2026 @ 3:11 pm
I will always remember the fun times that Bob and I shared with Rufus and Margaret! So long good friend, until we meet again!
#5 Comment By Vicki Barrett On February 23, 2026 @ 4:22 pm
Rufus was so kind to come sit with my husband during his (Richard) long illness. He was a very good friend to us.
#6 Comment By Janice Carr On February 23, 2026 @ 4:30 pm
So many good memories with Margaret and Rufus as we talked about our shared grand children, Branham and Louis. I will miss those times and look forward to more with Margaret.
#7 Comment By Christly DeCourcy On February 23, 2026 @ 4:40 pm
My heart goes out to all of Rufus’ children and family in their loss. I have many memories of all the Hereford family and my time working for them. God Bless you all and may His Peace comfort you all at this time of loss.
#8 Comment By Janette Mckin Askins On February 23, 2026 @ 5:13 pm
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the all the family. I used to work for Rufus, Mrs Nell Cowley Hereford and Mr R.D. Crowley at the Bank ok Kelso
#9 Comment By Wanda Shelton On February 23, 2026 @ 5:17 pm
I’m so sorry and send my prayers ti all the Hereford family.
#10 Comment By Judy Stafford On February 23, 2026 @ 5:26 pm
Margaret and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you all in the coming days.
#11 Comment By Mike and Jeanie Hyde On February 23, 2026 @ 8:34 pm
Margaret and family, We are sorry for your loss. All of you will be in our prayers at this difficult family time.
#12 Comment By Matt Miller On February 24, 2026 @ 12:49 pm
Stephanie and I send the Hereford family our prayers and condolences. Mr. Hereford was an exceptional gentleman to me and my family. There was a time where I would pass his businesses and homes/barns/property every day while I lived on my family farm down in the hollow on Keslo-Smithland Road. Mr. Hereford was one of the first “Masters” athletes/people that I ever saw lifting weights at a fitness center/gym. Mr. Hereford and I talked quite often when I’d take his groceries out to his car when I worked at Red Food Store and Bi-Lo. He was also one of the first true entrepreneurs that I ever met. Rest In Peace Mr. Hereford. I can’t wait to see you again and get a set of 225 on the bench press with our Heavenly bodies. Rest In Peace, respectfully, Matt Miller
#13 Comment By John Travis, Stanley, Dee Dee & Jocelyn On February 24, 2026 @ 2:37 pm
So sorry to learn of Rufus’s recent passing. Dad just mentioned him a couple of days ago and wishing he could see him. At 101 years old, he still remembers all those he loved and Rufus was certainly at the top of his list. Sending love and prayers for all of you!
#14 Comment By Kaylene Gattis Norman On February 24, 2026 @ 5:36 pm
Condolences to his family. He’s a distant cousin but I didn’t know him well. I knew his brother Jimmy Hereford years ago. May he rest in peace.
#15 Comment By Judy and Ricky Tucker On February 24, 2026 @ 6:34 pm
Margaret and family, Ricky and I are just so sorry to hear of Rufus’ passing. He was a special friend in addition to being a wonderful boss. So many wonderful memories from the PBOEV days. We are holding you all close in prayer.
#16 Comment By Danny M. Crowder On February 24, 2026 @ 6:50 pm
As a kid and growing up through school in Lincoln Co. I was close friends with Joseph and his Brothers. Sometimes I would stay the night or over the weekend at the Hereford Home. i remember many times, Rufus would great me and ask me how my family was doing. Such a respectful and intelligent person! I always looked up to Mr. Hereford and his beautiful wife! Thank you both for always making me feel welcome in your home!
#17 Comment By Judy Moyers On February 25, 2026 @ 12:13 pm
Margaret and family i am sorry. I will always remember the Hereford family as friends to our family..
#18 Comment By James Bonner On February 25, 2026 @ 1:47 pm
My friendship with Rufus began at MTSU. I banked with him for many years and enjoyed spending time with him , just talking.. Rufus was always enjoyable to be around. My condolences to his family .
#19 Comment By Barb and Jerry Hargrove On February 25, 2026 @ 4:19 pm
Margaret and family, we were truly saddened to hear of Rufus’s passing. Such a wonderful person and would always want to talk when we saw him. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace. May God’s love and guidance be with all of you during this difficult time.
#20 Comment By Kate Thompson Jennings On February 28, 2026 @ 8:47 pm
Theo and family, Todd and I have had you in our thoughts and prayers, especially today. We have such fond memories of the Herefords while growing up in Fayetteville. You all hold a special place in our hearts. Many good times were had. We send our sincere condolences and love during this difficult time.
#21 Comment By Allen Dale On February 28, 2026 @ 11:58 pm
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rufus, my fellow classmate at Central High class of 1956