Thomas (Tom) Nicholas Russin

Thomas (Tom) Nicholas Russin, 65, born April 29, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013 of a heart attack at his home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Marie Russin; grandparents, Nicholas and Rose Russin (Middletown, OH), Clifford T. and Pearl Dumbaugh (Butler, PA).

Tom is survived by sisters, Sally Russin Dingus (Mark) of Blountville, Nicki R. Bacon (Joe) of Franklin, TN; nephews and niece, Wes Bacon (Lauren), Chase Bacon, Emily Bryan (Marshall); great-nephew, Coy Bacon; and great-niece, June Bryan of Nashville. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tom lovingly cared for his Mother and Father in the last years of their lives.

Tom was raised in Kingsport since 1950 and was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, Lees-McCrae Junior College, ETSU, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters in Religious Studies.

He loved the Lord, the Bible, and music, especially old bluegrass and early "blues". He grew up listening to his father playing classical violin and played in the Symphony Orchestra as a youth. He was self-taught on the mandolin, piano, guitar, and dobro; any instrument he picked up, he played. During the 1970s, Tom toured with gospel groups, performed on radio shows, and did recording and television work. He was accomplished on the slide, rhythm and bass guitars. He studied and collected music for many years, developing a vast knowledge of delta blues, gospel, rockabilly, bluegrass, and other styles. Tom was focused on bringing as much recognition as possible to an under-appreciated blues player from Kingsport, Brownie McGee. Tom was a member of the Kingsport Masonic Lodge Demolay.

While attending Lees-McCrea, he learned about hillbilly music, hanging out and picking with local musicians. He loved sharing his music with the residents at Greystone Nursing Home and the Mt. Carmel Senior Citizens Center.

The family will receive friends Sunday, June 2nd from 1-2 at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. A service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Ted Hagen and the Reverend Tom Phillips officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the Masonic Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 207 N. Boone Street, Johnson City, TN 37604; the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284; the Symphony of the Mountains, 1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660; or a charity of your choice.

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