Cecil Robert Russell

Cecil Robert Russell, 95, died peacefully Friday, May 15, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family and loved ones. Mr. Russell was born in Henderson County to the late Horace Brookshire Russell, Sr. and Bina Mae Wilkie Russell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mabel Henderson Russell; three brothers, Marvin Russell, Homer Lee Russell and H.B. Russell; and one sister, Lois Whitaker. Cecil was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. For thirty years, Cecil was a truck driver hauling freight, first as an owner/operator for Youngblood Truck Lines and then as a full time driver for ABF Freight System where he retired in 1982. He is survived by his four children; son, Robert C. Russell and his wife, Marilyn of Crestview, Fl.; daughter, Beverly R. Cabe and her husband, Jerry of Fletcher; son, James E. Russell of TN and daughter, Janice M. Russell and her partner, Joy Sundberg of PA; brother-in-law, Carl Henderson and his wife, Jackie of Marshall, sister-in-law, Beverly Russell of Mills River; six granddaughters; four great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family expresses their deep appreciation to caregivers JoAnn Crocker, Cathy Crocker, Robert Noblitt, Barbara Updike, Judee Bradshaw, Dixie Bradbury, Annette Huntley, Audrey Burton and the wonderful staff of Four Seasons Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 20, 2015 in the Groce Funeral Home Chapel at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Bud Russell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, May 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.