John Russell "Rusty" Mayer

John Russell Mayer ("Rusty") passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 6th, 2017. He was born on May 27, 1956 in Atlanta, Georgia to George and Betty Mayer. He graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1974, Oxford College of Emory University in 1976, Emory University in 1978, and Mercer Law School in 1981. He married Sylvia Marie Burry, his Oxford College sweetheart, in 1982 and they had three beautiful daughters together. He was passionate about upholding a fair and just legal system and practiced law as a public defender for Fulton County for 24 years. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, and enjoyed his life to the fullest, including his hobbies of golf, poker, guitar, cooking- especially grilling, and sports (both supporting Atlanta's teams and coaching and attending his daughters' games). Rusty fought a courageous battle with lung cancer over three years, enduring every treatment available and extending his life long enough to celebrate many milestones and achievements, including the birth of his first grandchild, his 34th wedding anniversary with Marie and their 60th birthdays, a family vacation to Puerto Rico, and attending his youngest daughter, Nicole's, graduation from Georgia Tech. He is survived by his wife, Marie; his three daughters, Jessica Mayer, Danielle Mayer Adams (Mark), and Nicole Mayer; his granddaughter (Selah Jane Adams); his four siblings, Steve Mayer (Judy), David Mayer, Leslie White, and Jeannie Lippy (Dennis), their children and grandchildren; and Marie's parents, siblings, and their families. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rusty's name to Gideon's Promise, an organization to strengthen public defenders and transform public defense (gideonspromise.org/support) are welcomed. Also, posting memories, stories, and/or photos of Rusty would be appreciated on the Facebook page, Memorial for Rusty Mayer. A service and reception to celebrate Rusty's life will be held on Sunday, January 15 at 1:30 pm at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033