James Dwight Russell

James Dwight Russell Sr. (Jimmy) went home to be with his Heavenly Father on June 3, 2016 surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Richmond County on June 22, 1941 and was the son of Lonnie Gaston Russell and Gracie Green Russell. He worked at A&P as the meat market manager until his health declined. He was the recipient of a heart transplant at Duke University Medical Center in April 1998. Because of an organ donor’s generous gift of life, his family was blessed with 18 more meaningful years of making memories with Jimmy. He was a faithful member of Rourk Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, an elder, treasurer and Sunday School Teacher for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the Millstone Men’s Club. Jimmy loved fishing, gardening, reading and studying God’s Holy Word, spending time with his family, and walking his dog, Skippy. For many years, he served as a coach and mentor in the Ellerbe Dixie Youth League. His baseball kids held a special place in his heart. He will be remembered as a humble, patient, gentle soul who was an inspiration and role model to all who were blessed to know him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard, Noah, and Howard Russell. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rachel; a daughter, Cindy (Bill) McNichols of Hamlet; 2 sons, Dwight Russell Jr. of Albemarle and Tony (Shelly) Russell of Ellerbe; 7 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis (Charles) Shaver of Jackson Springs; 2 brothers, Lonnie (Pearl) Russell of West End and Don (Mary Alice) Russell of Rockingham; and his loyal dog, Skippy. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Monday at Rourk Presbyterian Church with Dr. John Stone officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideon’s International or to the Richmond County Hospice. The family would like to express a special thanks to Duke University Medical Center and Richmond County Hospice for the compassionate care given to Jimmy during his illness. We will forever be grateful to our family and friends for all the expressions of love, kindness, and support shown to us throughout the years.