William Russell “Rusty” Barkley passed peacefully at his home in Concord, N.C., on September 23, 2024. Rusty was born November 6, 1953, in Mooresville, N.C., to the late John William Barkley and Mary Sue Atkins Barkley. He will be remembered as a man of immense talent and humble spirit by all who loved him. Known affectionately as “Rusty,” he was a son, brother, husband, father and friend to many.
A gifted musician and guitar teacher, Rusty’s passion for music shone through in every note he played. Rusty’s father, “Big John,” bought older brother Johnny a guitar when they were eight and 11 years old. Rusty didn’t show any interest in playing guitar as he was playing baseball (and a very good player). He made the all-star team when he was only 10 years old. Around the time Rusty was 12 years old, he would sneak and get his brother’s guitar, when his brother was gone. One day “Mama Sue” asked Johnny “Have you heard your brother play guitar? He’s getting really good.” By the time he was 15 years old, he could play lead guitar as well or better than anyone around. He would practice for hours on end daily. No one had the tone and played with confidence more than Rusty Barkley. Throughout his almost 60 years of playing, he played with the following groups (Mind Garden, Orphanage, Appleton, Goldust, Barkley Brothers, misc house bands including the Beach Wagon, Rock Porch, Country City). He started his own band, the Part Time Blues Band, in 1990, and remained with PTBB until 2022.
Throughout his musical endeavors, Rusty had the potential to achieve national acclaim; yet his unwavering love and dedication to his family always took precedence. He found his greatest joy in watching his children grow and supporting them as they flourished into remarkable individuals.
A member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Davidson, Rusty’s passion for music and faith intertwined harmoniously in his life.
In addition to his parents, Rusty was preceded in death by his father-in-law, David Hafer; and stepson, Michael Scott Green.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lynne (Lynyrd) Barkley; his children, Mary Lynne Barkley (Jeff), John David Barkley, and Ramsey Kate Rogers (Justin); brothers, John Allen Barkley (Melissa) and Stanley Dale Barkley (Lesia); mother-in-law, Marty Hafer, sister-in-law, Lisa Hite (Keith); grandchildren, Jackson and Jude Haddix, and Madden and Desiree Green; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and aunts (Phylis & Harriet).
A future Celebration of Rusty’s Life will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and the community to come together, honoring his memory and sharing stories of his life. Services will be held at a later date, offering a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the life Rusty lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Rusty’s wife, Lynne Barkley, 2248 Barr Road, Concord, NC 28027.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is honored to serve the Barkley family during this time. Condolences and support can be directed to the family through their website at www.cavin-cook.com.