Richard Dale Russell

August 9, 1937 ~ December 5, 2013
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden – Richard "Dick" Dale Russell, 76, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Mission Hospital.
Mr. Russell was born in Elkland, PA to the late John Henry Russell and Edna Mae Thomas Russell. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tom Russell.
Richard was a friend to all. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was an avid fly fisherman. He was strong, compassionate, giving and always there for family and friends. He was a great source of strength and support. He loved get togethers and right up to the end he kept us laughing with his dry humor.
He is survived by his four children; Peggy Ann Mihacsi and her husband, Mayne of Portland, Oregon; Debra Lee Craven of Portland, Oregon, Michael Dale Russell of Asheville and Mark Henry Russell of Portland, Oregon; sister, Joyce Coutlakis of Asheville; three grandchildren, Bryan Anders, Justin Anders and Maggie Craven; his best friends, Coy Massey and Betty Baker; his beloved ex-wife, Ulla Russell Savage and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 6:30 PM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by the Rev. Perry Brindley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
We lived down the road from Mr. Russell… So sorry to hear of his quick passing.
Prayers to the family & friends for Gods comfort at this time
What a kind & caring man, feel very fortunate to have known him.
Peggy, so sorry to learn of the loss of your father. May you find comfort in your family during this difficult time. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.
I know this is a difficult time for your family and I hope during a quiet moment you find solace in the reassurance that is found in the bible at Rev 21:4 it says ‘And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more… The former things have passed away.’
Captain Russell and family, sorry for the loss of your love one…
Sincerely,
Travis Salters & family
Mike-
Just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace….
Hawk
Warmest thoughts and prayers to all of your family as you mourn your Daddy. He was so young.
Joyce and everyone, my heart goes out to you all right now and I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as well.
Mike, Prayers go out to you and your family from our hearts. I know your dad will be greatly missed. We will be keeping you close in our thoughts. God bless you. Lynn, Chris and Camden Pegg
I will so miss you.
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you, Debbie
To the Russel family:
Myself and my family pray for you at this time of loss. God bless you.
Susan Ingram
Dick Russell…..a kind, decent, and loving man. He always treated my daughter, Abby, and me like family — though we no longer were, technically. He was a thinking man who had a huge heart for what was right in this world. I’ll always remember the many invitations we got for Russell family events…and the many times he told me — ‘Steve, stop by any time….we’ll have a beer.’ Dick loved his family and friends like we all should love. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his entire family — bless your hearts. You, and we — have lost an ace.
How lucky we were to have had him…though the time was far too short.
He will forever be in Abby’s and my heart…a part of our family.
We love you.
Godspeed, Dick Russell.
Peggy, Ulla and family- I’m so sorry for your loss. Though I cannot be with you to celebrate Dick’s life, please know that you’ll be in my thoughts. Love to you both (all).
Nathan Ingram
I had the privledge to grow up with all of Dick’s children and of course their Dad was always there to support his childrens friends.
While attending college at UNCA, I worked as a janitor cleaning a doctors
office and Dick was my boss. He always had a big smile on his face, an
extended hand shake and an encouraging pat on the back. He supported me with a parttime job, but more importantly influenced me with positive
reinforcement about getting my education. Throughout my career and travels
back to Asheville to visit my family, Dick’s door was always open and I typically attended Russell family gatherings with his son Mike ( certainly one of my best friends in life). Dick always made you feel as you were part of his family. He certainly was a positive influencer in my life and always kept your self esteem in check & high.
What a great extended Father & Friend he was to so many people. He will
be missed by many!
Good speed to the the entire Russell family!
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad especially this time of the year. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.