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John Rutherford Chambers Jr

1/4/1944 - 7/31/2025

Text:

Obituary For 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.

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Condolences

  • 05/18/2026

    Charlie Patterson I worked with Ruddy at Fiber. We became good friends that has lasted for over 57 years. Lots of good times May God bless all Charlie Patterson

  • 05/18/2026

    Cynthia Frazier I Loved Ruddy! Spent decades on the shores of CALO every fall fishing and telling fish stories with our Motley Crew of fisherman. Untold amounts of fish were fried and meals enjoyed in The Ruddy Duck! Breakfast always served with a side of John Boy and Billy! Tight Lines, my Friend! Ms. Stingsilver

  • 05/18/2026

    PJ Kimbrell I knew Ruddy from when I was an adolescent growing up on Lowder Road. I was often at his house through those years passing time with with the Barr family. Ruddy was so "chill"! He reminded me of Jimmy Buffet in a way with his Hawaiian shirts and adult beverages never far away. He always had a good story to tell and his BBQ and BBQ sauce was top notch! He will always have a place in my memories. Condolences to Dana and Sam and the rest of the family!

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