At age 87, Mr. Jonathan Calvin Russell passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center-University City, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mr. Russell was born in Edneyville, NC to the late Calvin and Sarah Hooper Russell. He spent his early years in Edneyville until he was inducted into the US Army. After his duty in the military, during world war II, he moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut where he was employed in manufacturing. Upon his retirement, J.C. or “Jay”, as he was affectionately called, moved back to Edneyville.
Mr. Russell had a wide range of interests and hobbies, which include reading, traveling, volunteering and gardening. He was noted for his bountiful garden where he grew fruits and vegetables to share with his family and friends. He also enjoyed maintaining his yard with beautiful flowers and ornaments. He was involved in the maintenance of Brackett Town, St. Paul and Shaw’s Creek Cemeteries.
When Mr. Russell’s sister Inez passed away he became the guardian of her son, Michael who was only a few years old. He took Michael from North Carolina and enrolled him in a school for the deaf in Connecticut. He nurtured Michael throughout his life.
Mr. Russell held memberships in The Sons of Jesse Lodge No. 51, Masons, Bridgeport, Connecticut and the American Legion, Post 0077 of Hendersonville, NC. He was also a contributor to a number of civic clubs and organizations.
He was preceded in death by his parents: five sisters, Libby Viola Russell Payne, Dorothy Catherine Sequira, Geneva Sarah Russell Dennis, Goldia Norine Williams, and Beth Annie Inez Russell Woodson; six brothers, William Nelson Russell, Lawrence Edward Russell, Clarence Weaver Russell, Alvin Tennyson Russell, Melvin Carlos Russell, and Roy Orvin Russell.
Mr. Russell is survived by his sister, Gladys Clara Russell Freeman of Riverview, FL, and a great many other relatives and friends.
“J.C., Jay” will be truly missed by the many family members and friends who loved him.
A Graveside service will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at St. Paul Cemetery located in Edneyville, NC. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Kirby Memorial Chapel at Shuler Funeral Home, Hendersonville, NC.
Flowers are appreciated and donation can be sent to The Henderson County Rescue Squad.
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