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4900 Martha Berry Highway
Rome, Georgia
John Carruth Obituary
Mr. Carruth was born on July 29, 1935, son of the late John Perry Carruth, Sr. and the late Geneva Smith Carruth. He was a graduate of Gadsden High School as well as Jacksonville State University, where he was a founding member of the Jacksonville State "Marching Southerners". Mr. Carruth was the Band Director at East Rome High School, was a founding member of the 8th Regiment Band, and served as conductor of the Rome Symphony Orchestra. He was a true music lover, an American History buff, and loved anything with a motor, especially motorcycles. Mr. Carruth was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church and was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Carruth, and by a grandson, Adam Cleveland.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Broadwell Carruth, Rome, GA; a son, Russell Carruth (Stacy), Rome, GA; 3 daughters, Sharon Cleveland (Scott), Cedartown, GA, Jeanne Mann (Robby), Armuchee, GA, and Sandra Page (Steven), Cartersville, GA; 3 grandchildren, Samantha Cleveland (Eric Smith), Zack Mann and Stephanie Page.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, November 20, 2022, in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel. Dr. Casey Thomas will deliver the Eulogy.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:30pm until service time at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to the JSU Foundation for the Marching Southerners c/o Ken Bodiford, 700 Pelham Road, N, 312 Mason Hall, Jacksonville, AL, 36265 or www.jsu.edu/giving then scroll down to donate to the Marching Southerners.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, has charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Carruth
Sponsored by Henderson & Sons Funeral Home - North Chapel and Crematory - Rome.
Steve Gimbert
May 21, 2025
Just seeing this and remembering working with John and his various bands as a fund raiser. He was special and I was delighted to see the comments from brothers Miles & Barry Thomas who were fellow band directors & friends of John's and also customers I was privileged to serve back in the early 70's. We'll catch up in eternity John!
Kymberely Bright Wisener
December 23, 2023
John was passionate about music. He always came and helped out during band camp and concert season when I was in Cedartown Highschool Band. He was always a pleasure to learn from.
David Rhoades, Former Principal of Cedartown High School
November 23, 2022
I remember Mr. Carruth as a tireless, energetic, and enthusiastic band director who shared his love of music with many schools in NW Georgia to include Cedartown High School. He worked closely with Mr. John Thomas, Cedartown´s Band Director, to develop student skills in the many facets of their performances. John´s tireless work effort will be missed by all who were the benefactors of his efforts. Rest In Peace, my friend, you have earned it.I
Susan Carlson
November 23, 2022
Mr. Carruth´s passing is a great loss not only to his family, but to the whole community. I am so sorry.
Jim Bayone
November 21, 2022
My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the family during this time of grief. His creative vision, drive for excellence and boundless energy have forever transformed the musical landscape of Rome. Farewell, my friend. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Roger Beal
November 20, 2022
Mr. Carruth was the best band director, musician, and friend that I ever had! He really cared about his students.
God’s blessings with the family.
Rita Smith
November 20, 2022
Bonnie I am so very sorry to hear about John's passing. John was such a kind man. He has been such an asset to our community. One of the most knowledgeable people on many subjects that I know. I am out of town or I would be there to pay my respects. Prayers for all.
Brenda Callahan
November 19, 2022
John was a true gentleman. His enthusiastic personality was contagious. He treated everyone equal. His love for history and music was amazing. He will be missed. Rest Well friend, what great music you can make now.
Dawn Ellington-Cain
November 18, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. John Carruth was my band director and he was the BEST! He cared so much about our band and all the members, he truly wanted us to be the best! I learned so much from Mr. Carruth & have many fond memories of those special years.
God Bless
Anne Selman Raybon
November 18, 2022
I learned more about playing oboe in one hour with Dr. Carruth at all-county than I did in the 6 years in band. He was kind and an excellent teacher.
Bruce Rood
November 17, 2022
Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear about John, what a talented man, he will be missed by many. My heart is with you and your family, may God walk beside all of you during this time in your lif.. Bruce Rood
Joe Walters
November 17, 2022
John was a unique person as well as a wonderful musician, director, and conductor. His passion and exuberance was infectious, and indeed brightened any organization of which he was a part. May the warmth of fond and precious memories soon replace the cold of loss for all John’s family and friends.
Jo Bandy Hill
November 17, 2022
The world has lost a wonderful gentleman. He helped me learn to love music, especially the flute. Jo Bandy Hill
Jesse Blansit
November 17, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dennis Melville
November 17, 2022
Thanks for the memories we shared together in the GDRA the hobby will miss you, rest in peace old friend.
Miles Thomas
November 17, 2022
John was a true light in my life —We marched together in the Southerners and later we were fellow band directors—I will miss his smile -laughter and wit
Steve Lawler
November 17, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. John got me involved with the full scale artillery back in the early 1990s and I have been there ever since. He will be missed.
Dale Lamb
November 17, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kimberly Roland Crawford
November 16, 2022
Praying for family, friends, and the entire city of Rome, Ga. He was a legend.
Barry & Emmy Thomas
November 16, 2022
John was a great friend and a great musician.
Carl Anderson
November 16, 2022
I have lost a good friend and colleague. I met John when I joined the faculty of Jacksonville State College in 1963. John was a flute and Music education major and a student of Robert Cantrick. John went on to become an outstanding teacher and his bands, especially at East Rome High School, were excellent. I had the pleasure of working with John and his students over the many years he we at East Rome. He was a mentor to many fine musicians from the Rome and his legacy will live on through them.
Marilyn Watson Anderson
November 16, 2022
I was a member of the Jacksonville High School band in the late '60's-early '70's. Mr. Carruth was my band director. He had a foundational impact on my life over the years and I've thought of him often. He taught me to love music and to play from the heart. He taught me private flute lessons and I remember to this day that while we were practicing one day, he asked me which day I wanted to come the next week. I said TuesDAY. He complimented me then and there on my pronunciation of the day of the week and, to this day, I'll never say Mondy, Tuesdy, etc. He was an educator at heart! Prayers for comfort for his family!
Steve Mashburn
November 16, 2022
I am sorry to hear that John Carruth died. He was a great band director. This is a great personal loss for me. Not only was John Carruth a great friend and mentor, his family had been friends of both my wife's Gravitt ancestors and my Mashburn ancestors in Forsyth County. https://mashburn.info/wp/uncategorized/the-carruths-family-friends-for-generations/
Buddy Autry
November 16, 2022
John made a tremendous impact on Rome and Floyd County by his work with the Rome Symphony and 8th Regiment Band. He was very knowledgeable on history and I learned a lot from him during our time doing re-enactments. He touched many lives through his music and love of history. He shall be missed.
Melinda Abney
November 16, 2022
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Russell praying for you and your family.
Pam Walker
November 16, 2022
Teacher. Mentor. Musicuan.Historian. Gifted storyteller. Proud Son of the South. Friend. “Mr. Carruth John” you were never afraid to be yourself and you gave us permission — and taught us all by example —-to do likewise. You will be missed!
Alice Amos Moore
November 15, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. John was a great friend and fellow Marching Southerner that I have many fond memories.
Bob Fischer
November 15, 2022
John was a great influence on my life. I used to regularly drive from JSU and later from my first job at Fyffe, Alabama just to watch him work with the band at East Rome High School. Learned a lot by talking to him! He'll be sorely missed.
Barry Thomas
November 15, 2022
I have know John since college and I promoted his selection as band director at East Rome. He was a gentle giant in the world of band music.One former Southerner posted that this was John's "glad morning",and I cannot think of a better eulogy.
Mark Bowman
November 15, 2022
Russell and Sharon and rest of family, I am sorry for your loss. May your father Rest In Peace and the family prayers for comfort and peace
Sherry Broussard
November 15, 2022
Bonnie and family, I was saddened to hear of John's passing. Remember many fond memories of him and visits at your home. May the memories give you comfort during this time.
Elena Taylor Hamric
November 15, 2022
Thank you for teaching me and countless others to play, appreciate and feel music. You left us with a legacy we can pass to our children, grandchildren and those to come!
BILLY. PATRICIA BROOKS
November 15, 2022
Condolences and prayers to all the family RIP MR CURRUTH.
Lee Hill(Harriett)
November 15, 2022
I knew Mr Carruth from elementary school to present. He was funny and wise. I truly appreciate and cherish his mentorship in music and his friendship. To me he was an extraordinary man.
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Memorial Events
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Nov
20
Visitation
12:30 p.m.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home - North Chapel and Crematory - Rome4900 Martha Berry Highway, Rome, GA 30165
Nov
20
Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home - North Chapel and Crematory - Rome4900 Martha Berry Highway, Rome, GA 30165
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Henderson & Sons Funeral Home - North Chapel and Crematory - Rome4900 Martha Berry Highway, Rome, GA 30165
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