Russell Wayne "Rusty" Montandon, 56

Viola resident and White County native Russell Wayne "Rusty" Montandon, 56, was born May 18, 1969 and died December 5, 2025 at Vanderbilt Tullahoma - Harton Hospital following a sudden illness.

An instrument technician with Beyond New Horizons at AEDC and a member of the Church of Christ, he was the son of Anzena Sparkman Montandon and the late Wayne Montandon.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Tommie Hugh and Bertha Raper Sparkman and paternal grandparents, Don and Lois Mills Montandon.

Mr. Montandon was married December 21, 1990 to Renee Montandon of Viola.  In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two children, Ethan Wayne Montandon and Eleanor Elizabeth (fiancé, Matthew Key) Montandon both of Viola;  brother, Jason (Melissa) Montandon of McMinnville;  niece, Marlie (Jake) Gibbs of the Centertown Community;  nephew, Sloan Montandon of McMinnville;  great-nephew, Canyon Gibbs;  two uncles, TK Sparkman of Rock Island and Stanley (Liz) Sparkman of Tullahoma;  two aunts, Belinda (Bill) Gregory of Clinton and Melissa Montandon of Knoxville and two sisters-in-law, Charlotte Lynn of Viola and Vicki Bourgeois of McMinnville.

Rusty loved God and his family first and foremost and University of Tennessee Volunteers football.  He had a very inquisitive mind and a thirst for always gaining more knowledge.  His beloved pet Maeve was one of the highlights of his day.  He loved grilling and cooking meals on his smoker for his family.  He was a very joyful person and his joy radiated to those around him at all times.

Per Mr. Montandon's wishes, he was cremated and a memorial service will be announced as soon as arrangements are available.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High's Cremations are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Dec. 6, 2025