July 6, 2024, 79, Goldsboro —
Surrounded by his family, David Douglas Russell, 79, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was born May 13, 1945, to the late Ernest Eugene Russell and Ethel Christenbury Russell. David was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Eugene Russell, Jr., and sisters Shirley Ann Russell and Faye Russell Taylor. He is survived by the love of his life Claudia Farmer Russell, celebrating 56 years together. Sons, James David Russell, of Goldsboro, NC, Scott Douglas Russell of the home and Michael Patrick Russell (Samatha) of Louisburg, NC, a daughter Cindy Russell Grady (Gary) of Mt Olive. Grandchildren, Austin Grady, Amanda Carver (Aaron), Ashley Jones (Dwayne), David Clark Russell (Amy Thomas) of Sanford, Brantley, Millie, and Rowan Russell of Louisburg, NC. Great Grands, Dwayne, Jr., Arabella, Kaylee, and Robert Jones, Kaden Russell, and Callum Carver. A brother James O Russell of Centertown Mo. and various nieces and nephews.
He worked for the state of NC for 37 years, beginning with the Forest Service, then with the Department of Transportation bridge division, and moving over to the road maintenance division in the later part of his career. He was a houseparent at the Baptist Children’s Home in Kinston for 3 years and a foster parent for many years. David’s love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was without question. Even in his last days when he was no longer able to speak he responded to their words and touch. Those babies brought much joy to him. He was a long-time member of Love Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a part of several mission teams to various locations such as Brazil, Ukraine, and Havelock, NC. He loved to repair small engines on lawnmowers and chainsaws.
A service to celebrate David’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 2:00 at Love Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Toler officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many people from his hospice team at Gentiva for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Love Memorial Baptist Church, 192 Woodland Church Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27530, or Gentiva Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Dr. Goldsboro, NC 27534
