Birth Date: 06/28/1935
Deceased Date: 05/10/2018
Middlesex- Francis Bertram Russell, Sr., 82, of 8 Trusting Ln, Middlesex, NC, and formerly of Windsor, NC, died May 10, 2018. He was born in Marion, VA, on June 28, 1935 to the late Janie Pierce and Bertram Russell. He is also predeceased by his only brother, James Wilbur Russell.
He spent most of his life in Windsor, NC, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf. The neighborhood knew of his love of gardening and willingness to share its bounty. Professionally he was a lumber mill supervisor for Herndon Lumber Co. in Lewiston, NC, and then for 25 years for Weyerhaeuser Co. in Plymouth, NC.
A longtime member of Cashie Baptist Church in Windsor, Francis served as a deacon, S.S. teacher and officer of the Baptist Men’s Org. He sang in the adult and men’s choirs during most of his life. In his community he was an active member and officer of the Windsor Lion’s Club.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Katherine Ellington Russell; a daughter, Janine R. Andreasen and her husband William of Rolesville, NC; a son, F. Bert Russell, Jr. and his wife Shannon of Warrenton, VA; one grandson, Graham Russell and four step-grandchildren: Ethan, Sydney, and Brennan Scarratt and Nathan Andreasen. Also surviving are 5 nephews and 3 nieces and their families; 3 sisters-in-law, Grace Russell, June Daniel and JoAnn Ellington and 1 brother-in-law, Stewart Ellington.
Francis and Katherine moved to Emit in Northern Johnston County in 2010, and moved their membership to Antioch Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 14, 2018 in Antioch Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening in Antioch Baptist Church.
Francis will be remembered as a faithful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his family.
Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, NC Hwy 39, Middlesex, NC 27557 or Friends of Hospice, Hospice of Nash General, 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
