Sidney Russell, Jr.

Sidney Lee Russell, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loving family on Saturday, February 8 after a brief illness.  He was 92 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Ruth Larry Isley Russell and by his parents Sidney Lee Russell, Sr. and Emma Herndon Russell.

Lee Russell was born and raised in Burlington.  He graduated from E. M. Holt High School. By profession, Lee Russell was a tobacco farmer and a partner in Piedmont Tobacco Warehouse in Mebane.  He served his community by working with Alamance County Soil and Water Conservation for 25 years and serving as president of Alamance County Farm Bureau for 20 years. He was a longtime member of Long’s Chapel Christian Church where he taught Sunday school for over 60 years.  He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed playing golf, but the highlight of most weeks was hosting a Thursday night card game, Graham-style Setback, with longstanding friends.

Lee Russell is survived by four children:  son Darrell Lee Russell and wife Gail, daughter Karen Ann Russell, son Michael Edwin Russell and wife Jeni, and son James Clinton Russell and wife Jennifer.  He was Pawpaw to 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  His brother John Michael Russell and his sister Mary Russell Dale preceded him in death.

The family sincerely thanks the caregivers of Robeson Adult Health Care for their skill, humor, and compassionate care over the past nine months.  The family also thanks Hospice for guiding us through the last hours with our loved one.

Visitation will be at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington on Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00.  The funeral, officiated by RJ Zupancich, will be at Long’s Chapel Christian Church at 2:00 on Wednesday afternoon followed by a graveside service and reception in the fellowship hall.  The church is located at 2364 N NC 49, Burlington, NC  27217.  The family will be gathering and receiving guests at Lee’s homeplace.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Long’s Chapel Christian Church Building Fund.