Jesse L. Rustin IV

Jesse Louis Rustin IV, 88, of Dahlonega, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, May 6. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 746 Cherry Street, Macon, GA. with the Rev. Paul Dziadul officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Primitive Church Cemetery in Butler, Georgia.

Mr. Rustin was born in Butler, Georgia to the late William Telley Rustin and Vera Beatrice Phillips Rustin on April 23, 1927. He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse Louis Rustin V. He graduated from Taylor County High School and attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Georgia. He served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He worked on Robins Air Force Base as a civilian employee and contractor. During his tenure he was involved in the implementation of the Cape Canaveral space program.

Mr. Rustin was a voracious reader and enjoyed composing poetry and music. He had an uncanny knack for spying arrowheads, pottery and artifacts and added to his collection throughout his life. Geology was his greatest passion; he owned and operated the Turkey Hill Gold Mine for more than fifty years and consulted for mining companies in the United States and Costa Rica. He registered a number of patents in a variety of fields of study. Mr. Rustin had friends from all segments of society and saw their character rather than their circumstances.

Survivors include his children, Varie Rustin-Klayer (John), Patricia Watson (Don), Darlene Thigpen (Andy), Jennie McDonald (Keith), Telley Rustin (Leigh Reeves), and Rose Marie Johnson; eight grandchildren, Cal Rogers (Rebecca), Katie and Drew Thigpen, Shelley and Jack Watson, Marie, Allen and Justin McDonald; siblings, James Rustin (Joyce), Cecil Rustin and Helen Cox (John) and several nieces and nephews.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 746 Cherry Street has charge of arrangements.