Charles Russ

Charles Edwin Russ, 84, of Fairmont, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021. Charles was born on May 18, 1937 in Bladen County to the late Willie Franklin Russ and Isabelle Kinlaw Russ. He was also preceded in death by four brothers: Ham, Bill, Ernest, and Robert Russ; seven sisters: Minnie Mae Averit, Esther Brisson, Lillian Mercer, Beulah Mercer, Peggy Oliphant, Mary Pait, Ruth Cain; one niece, Pam Russ; six nephews: Tony Cain, Garrett Russ, Jimmy Russ, Darryl Russ, Cecil Averit and Wade Averit.

Charles leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce Butler Russ of the home; two sons: Charles Edwin Russ, Jr. and wife, Teresa of Marion, SC, Larry Russ and fiancée, Shea Ann DeJarnette of Fairmont; two grandchildren: Charles Edwin Russ, III and friend, Veronica Harrell of Marion, SC, Kayce Russ White and husband Marcus of Norfolk, VA; two great-grandchildren: Colton White, Oakley White; special niece Linda Gaskins and many other cherished nieces and nephews.

Charles was a fine southern gentleman that was always there if needed.  He grew up on a farm in Bladen County and later married his sweetheart, Joyce Butler Russ. Together they had two sons that grew up to be fine men. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and was extremely proud of them. He spent his entire career with CP&L until retirement where he worked as a line and service supervisor. Charles was a Deacon of Fairmont First Baptist Church and took that position very seriously. He loved God and read his Bible daily. He also enjoyed playing golf and fishing. His kind and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 20th at 1pm with a funeral service following at 2pm at Fairmont First Baptist Church. Rev. Carter McNeese and Rev. Ed Johnson will officiate services. Burial will follow services in the Bladen Memorial Gardens cemetery in Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairmont First Baptist Church 416 S. Main Street Fairmont, NC 28340, National Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd Street New York, NY 10016 and/or American Cancer Society PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.