Samuel M. Rutherford, Sr born September 30, 1950 received his primary education at J.C. McDade Elementary School, secondary at Kashmere Jr Sr High School and graduated from Kashmere Senior High midterm 1970. He began playing sports in junior high participating in football and track lettering two years.

He began to blossom into an outstanding student-athlete as he entered senior high school. Along the way he picked up his aka “Teddy Bear” from Coach Thomas Hendricks the master of nicknaming athletes. As time passed and his skill set increased he would be known to many as just “Bear.”  In high school Samuel was a three-year letterman in football and made All-District two years as Defensive-End and as a senior made the All-City Football Squad. Many considered the Kashmere 1970 team with their 12-1 record arguable Coach Matthew most outstanding team and the only undefeated regular season in Kashmere history.  Bear also was a three year letterman in track as a shot putter for Coach Hendricks.

Rutherford assessment of Kashmere coaching staff is as following; Matthew (Offensives Genius), Simon (Defensives Genius), Hendricks (Technique Specialist, Motivational Genius), McGowan (Conditioning Enthusiast).

After working at the Port of Houston for several years, Sam would enlist in the United States Army where he would excel and receive numerous awards, Post Commander & Outstanding Performance Award, Distinguished Graduate and attended Projectionist Leadership School. In 1975 Samuel was honorable discharged from the military after serving two years. He also attended Lone Star College in HVAC Technician.

After returning home he would return to his job at the Port of Houston working for the Longshoreman Association. In 1983 he would become employed Pennzoil Oil and that year he would marry the late Sonora Rutherford. Samuel has one daughter, two sons, three granddaughters and one grandson.

Hobbies: Salt & Freshwater Fishing, Fast Cars, and Hunting