Mr. Russell (Rusty) Dixon Jeffers, 53, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Rusty was born in Columbia, SC on July 31, 1971 and was a son of Loretta B. Jeffers Price and the late James Larry Jeffers. He was a member of Fairlawn United Methodist Church.

Rusty was a graduate of Spring Valley High School and Erskine College. He modeled for Millie Lewis Agency in high school and was the Grand Male Winner in 1988. He earned a Master's degree in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University and taught undergraduate classes there. He worked for the United States Fish and Wildlife Agency in Charleston, SC as a biologist.

From a young age Rusty had a love for all wildlife even to the point of rescuing random spiders and releasing them to the backyard. His love for all animals domestic and wild showed in the many pets he had over the years, but his beloved "Shadow" was his ever faithful companion for 12 years. He loved visiting Costa Rica and took many trips there. Taking care of his backyard garden, growing vegetables brought him much joy in recent years and he shared his harvest with family, friends, and neighbors.

His love of cooking was evident and he delighted in trying new cuisine. The family enjoyed each Christmas when he made enough chocolate pudding to feed everyone for days.

Predeceased by his father, James Larry Jeffers; and faithful companion, Shadow; he is survived by his mother, Loretta B. Jeffers Price; brothers, Jay (Laura) and Mark (Julie) as well as his nephews, Nash, Jayson, Tucker, and Matthew Jeffers; uncle, Rusty Bouton (Frances); and cousin, Djuna Stockton.

Thank you to MSA Hospice for their loving care in the past few months.

The service for Rusty will be held at 11 o'clock, Wednesday, October 2nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with Pastor Jeremy Howell officiating. Visitation will immediately follow at the funeral home subsequent to a family burial at Fairlawn United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pawmetto Lifeline 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212; to Fairlawn United Methodist 9203 Wilson Blvd., Columbia, SC 29203 or to a charity of your choice.