Jacques F. "Jack" Russell went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2016.
He was born June 26, 1925 in Atlantic City, NJ to Samuel W. Russell and Camille G. Jacotey Russell later moving to and being raised in New York City. Jack was a man who exemplified honor, truth, integrity, respect, love, caring, and humbleness.
He was in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1945 and continued to serve God and Country in various capacities through the American Legion (since1948), the 40/8 (since1967), and as a Lifetime Member of the VFW since 1987 remaining active until recent years.
He began his career with the Phone Company in New York City later transferring to Miami, FL in 1960 and retiring from Southern Bell in 1984 with an honorary life membership with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
He was a very proud father and actively involved with his daughters’ activities in the 1970’s with Sing---Out Miami/ Up With People (Jacquee) and the Miami Vanguards Drum & Bugle Corps (Robyn).
He was an ordained Deacon of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Coconut Creek, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, William Williams, his great-grandson, Richard A. Jaggers, and his first wife of 57 years, Helen M. Steinhardt Russell.
Jack is survived by his sweet heart and beloved wife of 12 years, Mary Jane Whippler Russell of Lenoir, NC,his daughters Jacqueline J. ‘Jacquee’ Russell of Daytona Beach, FL; Robyn Russell (Frank) Mattia of Chattanooga, TN; daughters & son by marriage, Jayne (Dale) Dietzman of North Lauderdale, FL; Elizabeth ‘Beth’ (Greg) Carter of Lenoir, NC; Ellen Wolfe Gonter of Ormond Beach, FL; and Bruce Wolfe of Ormond Beach, FL. Grandchildren include Ginger Price (Dan) Monteleone of FL; Richard (Mia) Price of GA; Daniel (Grissel) Price of FL; Ralph Dietzman of FL; Janell Carter (Jared) Edwards of NC; Jason (Kris) Carterof IL; Michael(Stephanie) Gonter of FL; Chelsey (Richard) Lancaster of Nashville, TN; and Alex Mattiao Chattanooga, with 14 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, in the chapel of Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home at 6:30 pm, 522 Wilkesboro Blvd SE, Lenoir, NC, 28645. Burial will take place at a later date at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga.
Online condolences may be left at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.