John H. Russell

John H. Russell, 74, of Asheville, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at his home. A native of Bethel, NC, he was a son of the late Rufus and Ella Garren Russell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Betty June Russell, and by siblings Edna Harris, Joe Russell, Harry Russell, and Carey Russell. Mr. Russell was a 1958 graduate of Bethel High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and worked for American Enka for thirty-five years in the spinning department. He later retired from the shipping department of Champion International in Canton. He had a passion for restoring antique cars. He was a very active member of Sardis United Methodist Church for over fifty years. Mr. Russell was a loving father and papa. He is survived by his daughters Karen Russell Fletcher Shook and husband Marty, and Laura Russell, both of Asheville; one granddaughter, Summer Elise Shook; sister Martha Mease of Waynesville, brother Fred Russell of Canton; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. Enoch Ball, Jr. officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church, 897 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.