Russell William Friend, Jr.

Russell William Friend, Jr., 82, of Arden, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was a native of Connersville, IN, but grew up in Dayton, OH. He was a son of the late Russell William Friend, Sr. and Elizabeth Volz Friend. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters and one great-grandchild. Russell proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard. He worked for many years in the grocery business as a meat department manager and then worked as a Security Officer at the Cliffs Of Walnut Cove. He was a Mason, a member of Long Shoals Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, and enjoyed telling jokes, camping and trips to Pigeon Forge. He will always be remembered as a fantastic husband, father and grandfather, who loved his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley Stutz Friend; two sons, Russell Friend, III (Patti) and Kenneth “Kenny” Friend (Annelie); one daughter, Jenny Buchanan (Randy); one sister, Rose Marie Roberts (Eugene), as well as seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. His family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated, or for those who choose, memorial donations may be made in Russell’s name to either Long Shoals Baptist Church, 661 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).