Rusty “Giant Killer” Threadgill
Thomas ‘Rusty’ Threadgill from Blue Springs, MO crossed the finish line into paradise on Sunday January 23, 2022, with his loving family by his side, the sweet sounds of his 73’ Datsun racing down the road and Cat Stevens on repeat.
Rusty ‘Giant Killer’ as he was so well known as was born on August 26, 1956, to Joy Allen & Thomas Threadgill. They knew their little Rusty was something special; however, they never knew he would touch the hearts of people across the entire world. Rusty will be remembered by his ever so lasting passion for drag racing, helping whenever he could, and his humble kind heart.
Rusty found a rare love in 1981 when he met Cathie Ray. The two quickly became inseparable and started planning their future immediately. Just 4 short years later Rusty & Cathie would marry and announce the pregnancy of their oldest daughter, Maghan Threadgill. Shortly after Maghan was born the two would find themselves welcoming a son into their family, Logan Threadgill. Family meant a lot to Rusty & Cathie; therefore, instilling strong family values into their children would become their lifelong mission and a model marriage for their kids to look up to. 40 years together and 36 years married, the two were still very much in love til death did them part.
Rusty had a strong passion for cars since he was a little boy. His passion for cars would lead to the birth of Rusty’s Truck & Auto in Blue Springs, MO in 1991 with his very good friend, David Swank as his partner. He had mastered the art of painting cars and was ready to take on the world as his own boss. Rusty’s Truck & Auto has been a trusted body shop in his community for so many that it would become more like family over the years. When you brought your car to Rusty you knew he would take care of you. After more than 30 years of business Rusty passed the throne to his son, Logan Threadgill, to continue his legacy in August of 2021.
Rusty ‘Giant Killer’ was well known in the drag racing world. You could find him at K.C.I.R and under the hood of a car every chance he had growing up. This is where he & Cathie would end up raising both of their kids as Rusty’s pit crew. It was always a family affair on and off the track. He had many different racecars over the years; however, his 1973 Datsun 1200 with a rotary engine would catch the attention of the universe. Rusty always strived to be the best, if he didn’t think he could win he wasn’t doing it. He was the underdog when those tires hit the pavement; however, his consistency, persistence & attention to detail would gain him several 1st place titles. The Giant Killer nickname came about when the racing community realized the Datsun was small but very, very mighty. When you pull next to Rusty in a race you can feel the pressure throughout your body. It has often been described as the feeling of needing to be perfect. One little misstep and the race would be over before it started, Rusty was that good.
When Rusty wasn’t racing, he was spending time in the garage, with his family and his granddaughter, Layluh. Layluh & Papa were truly blessed to create so many memories that Layluh will cherish for the rest of her life. When Layluh was born, Rusty took her under his wing as if he gained another daughter. He taught her how to be the best pit crew member and started instilling his passion for drag racing and family within her. Rusty would become a Papa once more on January 18, 2022; Kaisley Joy. He did not get the opportunity to meet Kaisley in the flesh, but we are confident he met her on her way into the world and is living with Rusty’s soul.
Rusty is preceded in death by his mother, Joy Allen, his father, Thomas Threadgill, his stepfathers, Jack Mayfield & Arthur Allen. He is survived by his wife, Cathie Threadgill, sister, Rhonda Wenzel, his daughter, Maghan Threadgill, his son, Logan Threadgill, and his wife Liz as well as his two granddaughters Layluh Lynne & Kaisley Joy.
Rusty was well known in his community and around the entire world. Maghan & Logan cannot go anywhere without someone knowing their dad & reminiscing about the good ole days. His entire family is confident that Rusty ‘Giant Killer’ Threadgill’s legacy will live on for many years to come & Logan will make him proud carrying on the family business.
Please come celebrate a legend with us at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 30th at VFW Post 1000 in Independence, MO. There will be BBQ, Chiefs Football, Racecars, and many memories shared. No outside drinks allowed; however, there is a bar inside.
We realize that my dad wasn’t just a dad to Logan and me, he was a father to a lot of you as well. There isn’t a word to describe just how truly missed he is going to be. We are all family now; we are in this together! See you Sunday! Wear your giant killer or Chief’s shirts & bring your racecars. This is going to be the celebration of a lifetime! Kids welcome!
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441