The world lost a good man, loving husband and wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Jerrold Rusk of Blairsville, Georgia passed away on September 28^th at home surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born March 30, 1935 in Miami, Florida to the late Fred and Harriett Wallis Rusk.  He married his High School sweetheart, Barbara Haybert in November of 1955 and were to celebrate their 64^th wedding anniversary this year. Every man leaves a legacy and Jerry’s was his family.  He is survived by his wife Barbara, four children–Mark (the late Shirley George Rusk) of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Frances Rusk Kelley (Robby Kelley) of Blairsville, Georgia, Michael (Mark Cauthen) of Cornelius, North Carolina and Neal (Tammy Sosebee Rusk) of Blairsville, Georgia; nine grandchildren—Jennifer Rusk of Stone Mountain, Kathy Rusk of Stone Mountain, Kayla Rusk Whitener (Clay Whitener) of Blairsville, Georgia, Katherine Rusk of Washington, D.C., Kourtney Rusk Dockery (Shannon Dockery) of Blairsville, Georgia, Emily Rusk of Raleigh, North Carolina, Morgan Kelley of Blairsville, Georgia, Michael Kelley of Blairsville, Georgia and Caroline Rusk of Davidson, North Carolina; and four great-grandchildren—Addison Whitener,  Aiden Whitener, Khloe Dockery and Korbin Dockery all from Blairsville, Georgia.

After marrying Barbara, Jerry was a member of the Miami-Dade County Police Department and served in the Navy Reserves.  He and Barbara moved to Blairsville, Georgia in 1968 and raised their family on Lake Nottley.  He was involved in real estate and home building in Union County, enjoyed being outdoors, camping and traveling with his wife, hunting with his sons, and sports of any nature.  He was active in Union County sports for decades serving as coach, umpire, announcer and mentor.  His greatest joy came from being on the sidelines, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play the sport they loved.  He held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying for years.

He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  A private family ceremony will be held to celebrate his life.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to Regency Southern Care Hospice Services in his honor.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com