John Russell Talley, Jr.

John Russell Talley, Jr., of Forest City, formerly of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024.

John was born January 10, 1940, in Gastonia, to John R. Talley, Sr., and Sue McLaughen Talley, who both predeceased John. John was married to Gail Louise Oakie Talley who predeceased John. John is survived by a brother Thomas Michael Talley and wife Katherine (Kathy) Olds Talley. John's brother Louie Daniel (Danny) Talley predeceased him.

John graduated from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1961. John later graduated in 1989 from Excelsior College in Albany, NY and in 2000 from California State University, Domingo Hills, CA in 2000.

John was a federal civil service employee with over 35 years of service, the last 33 years of which with the IRS. During John's career, he was variously a management analyst, physical security officer, and employee development specialist. He retired as a developer of management information systems.

John joined Rutherford Presbyterian Church in Fall of 2003. John served as Secretary and newsletter editor for the Rutherfordton Lions Club and received awards and honors, including being named a Melvin Jones Fellow, Jack Stickley Fellow, and was twice named Lion of the Year.

John also mentored high school students through the McNair Education Foundation.

The family will welcome friends at the church at 252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, November 17, 1- 2pm, followed by a memorial service celebrating John at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rutherford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1133, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.