John Rutherford Chambers Jr

John R. Chambers (“Ruddy”), 81, of Rowan County, passed away peacefully on July 31st, surrounded by love and comfort after a long, courageous journey through illness.

John was a man of quiet strength, dry wit, and deep appreciation for the good things in life: BBQ done right, a sturdy fishing rod, and a glass of whiskey just shy of full. He spent over 30 years as a machinist at the Hoechst plant in Salisbury, where he made lifelong friends and took pride in doing the job right. Off the clock, he passed his days tinkering, storytelling, and making sure his opinions were known, whether asked for or not.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Chambers Barr; his son, Jeffrey Rutherford Chambers; and his grandson, Samuel John Barr, who was his right hand and closest companion in later years.

Per John’s wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the ocean, so he can finally swim again with his old friend Roy, who beat him there by a few decades.

A celebration of John’s life will be held in the months ahead, with smoked pork and stories told the way he would’ve liked: unfiltered and with a strong finish.

Tributes