Obituary of Ralph Russell

Staff Sergeant William Ralph Russell, US Marine Corps, Ret., 71, of Reece Farm Road, Banner Elk, the Valle Crucis Community, died Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Charles George Veteran�s Hospital in Asheville. Born May 2, 1939 in Watauga County, he was a son of Herman and Eileen Jestes Russell. Ralph served two tours of duty in Viet Nam. He was a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. Mr. Russell is survived by his wife of 30 years, Edna Reece Russell; three sons, Michael Russell of Boomer, Greg Russell and wife, Shelly, of Creston, and Tim Russell and wife, April, of Fleetwood; daughter, Michele Hampton of Boone; two step-daughters, Sharon Catlin and husband, Paul, of Valle Crucis, and Shelia Spaulding of Vilas; step-son, Steve Arnett and wife, Penny, of Valle Crucis; four grandsons, Dylan, Holden, and Hunter Russell and Garrett Hampton; granddaughter, Skylar Russell; three step-grandchildren, Josh Wagner, Lance Corporal Jimmy Arnett, Jessica Arnett; one step-great-granddaughter, Sophia Arnett; and three sisters, Mozelle Compton and husband, Marshall, of Rock Hill, SC., Franzelle Meade and husband, Mike of Rock Hill, SC and Judy Overman, and husband, David, of Charlotte. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, infant twin Ray, R.L., and Ricky Russell. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 6, 2010 at 2 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Dr. Larry Campbell. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Military graveside honors and burial will follow at the Jestes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Jestes Cemetery Fund, % Wade Fox, 264 Fairview Rd., Marion, NC 28752, or to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 90, PO Box 2914, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be sent to the Russell family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Russell family.