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Russell Block Obituary
He was born on May 6, 1922, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Russell August Block and Alice Catherine Muhla Block. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Block.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lois Jane Block.
Russell is survived by his sister, Dolores Alice Block of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He is also survived by his two stepdaughters, Wanda Mawyer Craddock of Apex, North Carolina, and Wendy Sprouse and her husband, Larry, of Waynesboro, Virginia. His grandchildren include Rachel Craddock of Apex, North Carolina, Emily Craddock of Charlottesville, Tamarah Sprouse and her fiancee, Jason Schuebel, of Stuarts Draft, Christopher Sprouse of Waynesboro, and his sweet great-grandaughter, Nevaeh Schuebel of Stuarts Draft. He also has many loving family members from Pennsylvania and Ohio, including his cousin, Greg Nist.
Russell was a member of Charlottesville First Baptist Church and the American Legion. He also gained his spiritual strength from Raymond and Joyce Moton, who conducted the Sunday services at his nursing home. He looked forward to singing with the Moton's each and every Sunday morning. His loyal friend, Jack Sadler of Charlotteville First Baptist Church was always there for him.
A proud United States Marine, Russell served as a Diplomatic Courier to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman from 1942 until 1946. He spent his early years as an artist in Pittsburgh and then moved to Virginia where he spent many years with The Daily Progress. Enjoying retirement, he had a second career in furniture restoration.
The family thanks the staff of The Laurels of Charlottesville with a special thanks to Kim Bishop, Unit Manager and a very special thanks is extended to Charlotte Miller, his nurse who stood by his side during his final hours and who truly was our guardian angel.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009, at Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville. Dr. Lindsay Sadler will officiate with prayers and music also provided by Raymond Moton and Pastor Roi Savaiinaea.
To celebrate his life, the family will receive friends at Charlottesville First Baptist Church following the graveside service.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Charlottesville, 675 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
November 16, 2009
Mrs.Block, I do not know if you remember me or not,I am Paul Walton's daughter, Marsha. I used to come the market when you had it and you both would purchase things from the van. Mr. Block was a kind man and a real gentleman.He will be sorely missed. God Bless You. Marsha W. Stratton
Gary Craddock
November 16, 2009
Russell Block to me was a man above men. With great strength and great knowledge which he loved to share. I remember most the stories he told to me of his life and childhood. The excitement that radiated from his voice as he spoke. One could you could almost put themselves inside the story. Even though it had been some years since we spoke, the impact he has had on my life will never fade. Best wishes to ALL the family. To me his memory will live on forever! Thank you "PaPaw"
November 16, 2009
Russell has meant a great deal to all of us on Sunday mornings. He enjoyed sitting up front and singing. He would always wait for our grandchildren to come and walk with him to the services. We will miss his smile and the love he showed to everyone. We also enjoyed his family members when they came to be with him in services.
With love and sympathy,
Rickey and Theresa Jackson
Nancy Gentry
November 15, 2009
My sincere condolences to Juanita & family in recent loss of my friend
Russell. I knew him well from his days at D. Progress and during all
my years at WINA. He will not be forgotten, & my thoughts are with
you.
BOB GRANT, Phoenix, AZ
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