James Russell “Rusty” Spencer III of Culloden, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on
February 14, 2026, after battling a long illness. He was 65 years old.
He graduated from Winfield High School at 18, and began a long and successful career at
U-Haul Rental Company, where he worked for 45 years until his death.
Rusty loved to race cars and participated in multiple racing events in West Virginia.
Later in life he developed an affinity for turtles and nature photography, spending time in
Greenbottom Wildlife Management Area. He raised four turtles from babies and kept them
in a terrarium at his work, where they still reside today and are cared for by his co-workers.
He was known for his intelligence, curiosity, and his love of science fiction and history.
He is survived by his father, James Spencer Jr., his two sisters, Tammy and Robin, his niece
Laura, his two nephews Spencer and Trevor, and his grand-nephew Arthur. He was also very
close to his co-workers, who were a second family to him.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 28th, at 6012 MacCorkle Ave
SW, St. Albans, WV, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to turtlesurvival.org
