J. Paul Russell

J. Paul Russell, 95, of Troy, died on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Stanly Regional Hospital in Albemarle. Mr. Russell was born February 27, 1914, one of seven children of Charles Harrison and Alice Warner Russell. Visitation will be held at Pugh Funeral Home in Troy on Tuesday evening, April 21, from 6:00-8:00. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, April 22, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Troy, with internment at Southside Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Stan Smith, The Rev. Bobby Tyson, and Earle Connelly will officiate. A native of Montgomery County, Mr. Russell began his entrepreneurial career in sales, which led to the establishment of Russell Hosiery Mills in Star, a foundation in the textile industry and in Montgomery County. He was a respected leader in hosiery manufacturing, receiving numerous awards and honors. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers. For a period of years he was the largest employer in Montgomery County, with more than 800 employees at the Star location. After retirement he became a real estate developer and created Carolina Forest and Woodrun, both on Lake Tillery, as well as a golf course and ski run on Lake Carroll in Chicago. Along the way he purchased Montgomery Motors, Inc. in Troy. Russell acquired a number of interests over the years, including cattle ranching in Florida, a game preserve in Moore County, and a local lumber business. His love of flying led him to be instrumental in the creation of the Montgomery County Airport in Star. He was an avid golfer with a life long passion for Montgomery County Country Club, a founding member with a continued vision for the future of the club. He was one of the leaders in the initial phases of Montgomery Memorial Hospital and became fundamental in the expansion of the facility. He was active in Boy Scouts, receiving the Silver Beaver Award, the highest adult scouting honor, and the 1912 Society Award. During his time away from business, he enjoyed big game hunting, deep sea fishing, and time with friends and family. Mr. Russell will be remembered for his love for Montgomery County and its people. He was a devoted member of Troy Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on many boards, including Trinity United Methodist Church and Montgomery Memorial Hospital. He was also elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Preceding him in death were his wife, Blanche Chappell Russell, an infant son, J. Paul Russell, Jr, brother John J. Russell, sisters Alameda Russell Colvin, Lucy Russell Stout, and Elma Russell Holt. Survivors include sons Charles J. Russell and wife, Dee, of Troy, Larry J. Russell and wife, Marsha, of Mt. Gilead, daughters Paula Russell Vaughan and husband, Bob Holzer, of Boulder, CO, and Blanche Russell Keller and husband, Bill, of Asheboro. Grandchildren, who will affectionately remember him as Daddy Paul, include Charles and Liz Russell of Sydney, Australia, Blanche and Will Jones of Wrightsville Beach, Alston Russell Skinner of Greensboro, Brooke Russell of Southern Pines, Lee and Liz Vaughan of Nashville, TN, Candy Vaughan of Nashville, TN, Russ and Pam Russell of Troy, Todd and Beverely Russell of Mt. Gilead, Katie Jones of Mt. Gilead, Joanna Jones of Charlotte, Scott Vaughan of Atlantic Beach, Gordon Vaughan of Denver, CO, Sarah Vaughan of Washington, DC, Paul and Jen Sullivan of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Caitlin Sullivan of Charleston, SC, Gary and Lori Lambert of Nashua, NH, Bill and Ashlyn Sumner of Concord, NC, David and Crecia Keller of Harrisburg, Stephen and Nadege Keller of Columbia, SC, Joshua and Amy Keller of Columbia, SC and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Silas Russell and H.R. (Bobby) Russell of Star. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 502, Troy, North Carolina, 27371. On line condolences may be made to www.pughfuneralhome.com/