William Russell (Bill) (Rusty) Degroat, Jr.

William Russell Degroat, Jr. passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at his residence.

Bill was born in 1939 in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Matthews; his father, William Russell Degroat, Sr; one grandson, Cody Michael Degroat; special friends, Ben Erwin, Rick Metcalf, and Gary Cox.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce (Joy) Estes Degroat, one half-brother, John Goodin, three sons: Russell Lee Degroat, Joe Degroat (Donna) Christopher Clay (Kelly); grandchildren: Jason Degroat (Sidner Harris), Ashley Roberts (Aron), Justin Mango; great-grandchildren: Avery Roberts, Lily Mango, Liam Mango; sister-in-law Nancy Davis (Larry).

Special friends: John Lowry, Frank Huff, Joey Tipton, Pat Bowman, Tom Keller, Tony and Teresa Ford, Mike Davis, Jerry Honeycutt, Todd McKinney, Sharon Erwin, all of the racing community, and fishermen.

Special thanks to Dr. James Joslyn, Julie, and the entire staff of Johnson City Internal Medicine; Dr. Steven Hopkins, Dr. Phillip Stokes, Dr. Kyle Colvett, Dr. Devapiran Jaishankar, the entire staff of Appalachian Family Medicine, Franklin Woods Community Hospital and Johnson City Medical Center: Ballad Home Health, Ballad Equipment, and Ballad Hospice for the excellent care of William.

Special thanks to Washington County Sherrifs Office, Rocky Ratliff, Mark Hensley, Judy Richards, and Ann Marie Adrion for their support.

It was Bill's wish that there be no service.

Please make memorial contributions to The Johnson City/Washington County Animal Shelter in honor of his dog, Precious.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the Degroat family. (423) 282-1521