Edwin "Ed" Russell

Ed Russell was born in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late Ruth (Graves) and Edwin Russell, Sr. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School (1958) and Florida State University (1963). He spent his career in Marketing and Finance and retired from the St. Regis Paper Company in the Pipe Construction/Installation Division in St. Petersburg. Ed served with pride in the US Coast Guard Reserve from 1963-1971.

Ed was highly devoted to his family.  He was married to Sylvia Crenshaw Russell, his loving wife of 57 years. They proudly raised two daughters Kimberly R. McFadden (Scott) and Michele R. Russell (Justin Gannon, Jr.). Ed had a very special relationship with each of his three grandchildren: Kieran McFadden (Lexie), Kiley McFadden, and Flynn Gannon. And, he adored his great grandchildren, Layton McFadden and Brooks McFadden.  He is also survived by his sister, Shirley R. Ralston, and his nieces and nephews and their families.  In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly R. Thompson.

A devout Christian, Ed was most recently a member of First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, North Carolina. He served in multiple varied leadership positions over many years at Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Ed was an avid runner, biker, hiker, camper, and general adventurer. He loved being outdoors in any capacity, including caring for his meticulously manicured lawn. He was a sports enthusiast, especially regarding FSU football (go ‘Noles!).  He had passion and talent for fixing and restoring the old and broken, as well as creating and building something new. A generous person, Ed loved helping his family, friends, and neighbors with their building and repair projects.  Along with his wife, he helped found the charitable organization, Clothes to Kids in Haywood County, which provides new and gently used clothes to children in financial need to help boost their confidence and self-esteem.

In lieu of other remembrances, he would encourage you to contribute in any way to: Clothes to Kids of Haywood County, 177 Weldon Way, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745; Lake Junaluska Assembly, P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745; or the church or your choice.

In addition, the family of Ed Russell would love to read any special memories or stories of him that you would like to share.

The care of Mr. Russell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.