October 22, 2026, 84, Goldsboro – Russell (Russ) Prys, 84, born November 6, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, gracefully departed this world on October 22, 2026. The fourth of eight children, Russ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Russ was predeceased by his daughter Kelly Ann, his siblings Raymond, Roger, Rodney, and Judy Prys McNee, and his parents Charles and Geraldine Anway Prys.
After graduating from Burlin High School in Marne, Michigan in 1960, where he was involved in ROTC for two years, Russ served honorably in the US Navy before studying Business at Davenport Business School.
It was during his senior year at Burlin where Russ met the love of his life, Maureen (McDermott). After four years of proving himself worthy of her hand, they married on August 8, 1964, beginning 62 years of a partnership that set the example for every marriage that followed in their family.
In business Russ spent nearly 45 years in the beverage industry — 20 years with Pepsi in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina; and 25 years with Coca-Cola in Eastern North Carolina — earning a reputation for strong work ethic and genuine leadership wherever he went.
Over his 42 years as a proud and dedicated parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church in Goldsboro, Russ served faithfully in the Knights of Columbus, where he held such positions as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy. During his time with the Knights, he was especially committed to Operation Lamb, whose mission is to assist those with intellectual disabilities.
For several decades, Russ passionately served his local communities. He was a member of Golden Kiwanis and was extensively involved in fundraising efforts throughout the community. In addition, he once served as Mayor and Councilman for the Village of Walnut Creek among a multitude of other leadership positions in charitable organizations across the community.
He and Maureen raised five children: Joseph (Tracey), Jeffrey (Susan), Kelly, Kristen (Deane), and Caroline. Their family grew to include nine grandchildren: Brooke Meador, Stephen Prys (Kaelyn), Sage Meador (Tori), Alexander Prys (Mariah), Emily Prys, Kevin Prys (Lauren), Kylie Webb (Josh), Kinsey Meador, and Dawson Meador, and three great-grandchildren: Grayson, Braxton, and Chloe, and many nieces and nephews who brought him endless joy.
Whether on the golf course at Walnut Creek Country Club or in his bass boat on Lake Wackena alone, with a friend, or his grandchildren beside him, Russ lived with warmth, generosity, and purpose. His legacy of kindness and love lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.
He is survived by his devoted wife Maureen; children Joseph (Tracey), Jeffrey (Susan), Kristen (Deane), and Caroline; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings Jean Prys Szubinski (John), Ronald Prys, and Joy Denny (Richard).
A Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM with the Knights of Columbus, followed by a funeral mass beginning at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Goldsboro, NC on October 31, 2026. Visitation is Friday, October 30 from 5–7 PM at Seymour Funeral Home, Goldsboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church (1603 Edgerton St., Goldsboro, NC 27530), Knights of Columbus Council 5487 (P.O. Box 10025, Goldsboro, NC 27534), or the Mental Health Association in Wayne County (P.O. Box 1476, Goldsboro, NC 27533). Russ will be interred at Floral View Memorial Gardens with his daughter Kelly Ann Prys in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Date to be determined.
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