Wlaf1450David Rutherford is retiring; E.E. Hill & Son Insurance welcomes you to his noon reception today
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- A budding friendship as youngsters, filled with fun and mischievousness, later blossomed into a successful business partnership. In the 1950s and ’60s, David Rutherford and Lansden Hill grew up in Linden Park and Indian River Village. “Our houses were far apart in Linden Park and some closer when both families moved to the Village,” said Rutherford.
David, his younger brother Tommy, and Lansden spent a lot of time on their bikes. David and Tommy were on Honda Motorcycles while Lansden was on a bicycle. “He wasn’t allowed to have a motorcycle or even ride one,” said David.
“I would grab Lansden’s jacket or shirt with one hand, and he’d be right beside me on his bicycle going up the hill on Claiborne Road. We’d leave the neighborhood, ditch Lansden’s bike, and he’d ride with me on my Honda while Tommy was on his Honda, my red hand-me down,” said Rutherford.
They almost pulled off all their motorcycle adventures without a wreck. “Lansden was riding with me, and we hit a car on College Hill. He flipped over me, and his boot was ripped off in the process, probably saving his foot,” said David Rutherford.
After bikes and graduating from La Follette High School, David in 1968, Lansden in 1969, it was on to the University of Tennessee. As fate would have it, David had an apartment and wasn’t too long until his roommate was Lansden. “We had the times of our lives. We were on the fourth floor, and Lansden insisted we have a piano. We paid $52 each for this piano, and to this day, Lansden still has it. It’s at his house,” said David.
The friends took different paths following graduation from UT. Lansden returned home and was in the insurance business with his father and uncle while David signed on with Environmental Systems Corporation. David loved what he was doing while Lansden was getting settled in at E.E. Hill & Son Insurance.
In 1977, Lansden bought the business from his father, and he and David talked while David was working in Florida. Lansden was doing fireworks and insurance, and David decided to join him in November 1977. Lansden spent most of his time with Pyro Shows, and David was all insurance.
“David’s one of the finest men and best friends I have ever known,” said Lansden.
“I just wanted to come home, to marry and have a dog,” said David. A daughter and son also came along. In the 1970s, he built a house near Cove Lake State Park and still lives there.
David’s always has a sharp looking truck. Many may remember his red Toyota he had for about 300,000 miles.
“Lansden is such a wonderful person to work for. He’s a 24-hour a day guy. He’s the salesman. I’m not,” said David.
David’s not far behind Lansden’s pace. He doesn’t fish or play golf, and he spent a lifetime devoting his career to Hill Insurance. “He was loyal and ethical throughout his career,” said Lansden.
Lansden sold big clients, and the insurance company grew tremendously selling insurance to big companies, according to David.
David bought a fourth of the insurance agency years ago and has since sold it back to Lansden as he began slowing down a while back. Lansden told David to come in when he wanted. “I think it was a good deal for both of us,” said David.
David told Lansden he’d stay until he was 75, and that birthday was back in May
“There are just a bunch of wonderful folks here at Hill Insurance,” said David.
The insurance career is over, no more math nor worries about customers for David. Though the connection and friendship with Lansden Hill continues with David Rutherford. “I’m looking forward to spending a few years with him relaxing,” said Lansden. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/11/2025-6AM)