Russell "Rusty" Sloan Rozzelle

Rusty was born to Richard Franklin Rozzelle III and Jacqueline Dunn Rozzelle on September 13, 1956, in Charlotte, NC. He is survived by his soulmate, Jane Griffith of Charlotte, his brother Richard F. Rozzelle IV (wife Phyllis) of Southport, NC, his sister Robbin Whitley (husband Charles) of Stanley and aunts Jill Lucas (husband Mike) of Marion, NC, and Judy Rozzelle of Charlotte and his uncle Sam Dunn of Charlotte. Rusty is also survived by nephews and nieces: Richard (Ritchie) Franklin Rozzelle V (wife Jennifer), April Rozzelle-Woolford (husband Dustin), Alexandra Franklyn Whitley and Parker Russell Whitley. Also important to Rusty were Jane’s daughter Hollie Bowling and her husband David.

Rusty attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and received his BA Degree in Earth Science from UNC- Charlotte. After graduating with his degree, Rusty went to work for Mecklenburg County and for 40 years was Program Manager of Mecklenburg County Water Quality. He served his community well in this role, meeting and assisting people in the community and appearing as spokesperson for county water quality.

Rusty had a special passion for the Catawba River, not only because the Mecklenburg portion of the river was under his care but also because of his family’s long history associated with the river and the ferry that they ran in the 19th and early 20th century. The road from the ferry to Charlotte, Rozzelle’s Ferry Road, honors the family name. Rusty was known for his lectures (story-telling) about the ferry and the history of the Catawba River. On his birthday, he often made the sojourn to the head-waters of the Catawba, to renew his spirit.

Rusty loved sports and the outdoors. In his youth, he was a talented point guard and short stop, playing in church leagues. Rusty enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and saw-milling. He split wood for exercise.

Rusty was a member of the Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was in attendance most Sundays with Jane. Rusty had a strong faith in God, visible in his humble and polite dealings with those he encountered each day. Rusty wanted us to remember especially John 14 verse 27:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

A Memorial Service for Rusty will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church, 113 E Parkwood Street in Stanley, NC. Visitation/receiving will follow the Memorial Service at the church. The service will be officiated by Pastor Danny Penny, and will be live-streamed from their website: Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Russell Sloan Rozzelle to Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church. McEwen Funerals and Cremations at Forest Lawn West is in charge of arrangements.