Russell "Rusty" Todd Turbyfield

Russell “Rusty” Todd Turbyfield, age 51, went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Rusty was born in Johnson City and lived most of his life in Gray.  As the recipient of a double lung transplant in 1997, Rusty was given a life expectancy of only 7-10 years but miraculously, through many complications and setbacks, enjoyed another 20 years of life.  Rusty was loved by many and never met a stranger due to his “whatsagoinon” personality.  Prior to his transplant, Rusty worked for several years as a Greenskeeper at the Johnson City Country Club and for a few years following.  Rusty enjoyed golf and playing pool, listening to local rock bands as well as taking the stage as a front man himself from time to time.  He loved Chicago Bears Football and Chicago Cubs baseball.  He also adored his dogs Shadow and Pattycake. Rusty was preceded in death by his father Robert Gene Turbyfield, brothers Jeffrey Allan Turbyfield and David Keith Turbyfield and sister Emily Jean “Jenny” Turbyfield. Rusty is survived by his mother, Stella Rose Turbyfield of Johnson City, brother Robert Turbyfield and wife Cindy of Gray, sister Julie Elaine Kelley of Johnson City, girlfriend Tammy Blevins of Gray and several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, January 26th at Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 East Watauga Ave, Johnson City, TN beginning at 12:30pm followed by a brief service at 2:00pm. To assist with final expenses, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:Rusty Turbyfield Memorial Fund, C/O Stella Turbyfield,  Select Seven Credit Union, 181 Marketplace Blvd, Johnson City, TN 37604 favorite_border Donations PledgesRead Obituary