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Leroy Russell Obituary
A native of Gaston County, he was the son of the late Charles B. & Helen Hamilton Russell.
Leroy was sheriff of Gaston County from 1982-2004 and was a member of NC Sheriff Association, serving as presi-dent 1990-1991.
He was a member of Gaston County Law Enforcement Association, was a licensed funeral director, a Gaston County School employee, a drivers license examiner and a County Magistrate. He was a US Air Force Veteran. Leroy was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he was on the worship committee, administrative board and funeral committee. He was currently attending Grace Anglican Church.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 190 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 with Reverends John Kirtley and C.B. Barr officiating.
A graveside service will follow in Evergreen, "A Quiet Place" in Belmont.
Survivors include his sister, Diane R. Tice of Gastonia; numerous nieces & nephews and his many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Walter Russell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gaston College Foundation for the Sheriff Leroy Russell Scholar-ship Fund, Criminal Justice Degree, C/O Gaston County Sheriff's Office , PO Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053 or to Grace Anglican Church, 700 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054.
Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Russell family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Russell
Amy Tice-Partlow
July 12, 2012
To my dear uncle you will never know at the positive impact that you had on my life. When I lost you I lost the one figure that I truly admired and respected all my life. You will truly be missed!!!! I Love You and will dearly miss you but I know you will be reunited with my nuna and as of the 9th your beloved sister will be joining you too.Until we are reunited in heaven.
Jim & Joanne Joy
July 9, 2012
I went to Stanley High School with Leroy and was in his graduating class in 1957. Leroy was one of the nicest people you could ever know and everyone loved him very much. His humor was second to none. Sometime there are good friends and sometime there are great friends, Leroy was the greatest of friends a person could ever have. He will be missed greatly by many people.
Bob and Vickie Wisniewski
July 7, 2012
Our prayers and blessings go out to Leroy's family and loved ones. Leroy Russell was a friend to all and he never forgot a face. All who knew him as a friend were blessed, because Leroy was a true friend.
Doricia Crisp
July 7, 2012
Leroy, was a great friend, if not for him I may have never gotten my Drivers License, because I was so nervous and just calmed me down and made me relax, then I did fine which resulted in me passing the driving part of the test. Then later we became friends, he will be missed greatly.
Jason Ford
July 7, 2012
Leroy was a great friend to our family, and he will be missed!! As a small child, I could not say Leroy, so I would call him Reroy. RIP Reroy!!
JT Robinson
July 7, 2012
What a great guy Mr. Russell was, he will be missed by many. R.I.P my friend you are in the big house and we will meet again.
Barry Barker
July 7, 2012
I knew Leroy at Carothers Funeral Home and later at DMV and on to Sheriff. He was a super nice guy, always cheerful and smiling. Never a dull moment with Leroy. God bless him and his family. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, buddy. You'll always be in my heart.
Joyce Hughes
July 7, 2012
For all the lives you touched including my son who worked for you and is still there at the Sherrif's Department. May God be with all of them also.
Joyce Hughes
July 6, 2012
Leroy was always so kind and thoughtful to others. He will be truly missed by my family and so many others that came in contact with him in their life time. May God give peace to all his family and his friends.
Candy Self Earley
July 6, 2012
Leroy, was the best Sheriff , Gaston County, ever had ! My thoughts and prayers are with the family ! May you R.I.P. Sheriff !
Kevin Messer
July 6, 2012
Leroy was a great man who served and always gave back to his community. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace Leroy
Jesse Caldwell
July 6, 2012
How fortunate Gaston County was to have Leroy Russell. a favorite son, serve us over the decades in so many ways--magistrate, teacher, police officer, driver's license examiner, funeral director and of course, the High Sheriff. He was a man of the people, dedicated to the people, who loved everyone and everything about our county. He had such a rich and wonderful sense of humor. He was a dedicated Christian, so faithful. We are all blessed to have known and been served by him.
Chris Buchanan
July 6, 2012
Leroy was a special person to me. I worked for him for 17 years and he never failed to say thank you for the job you've have done and he alway said that I was a hard worker no matter who it was he was talking to. When my Dad died he came by stayed at my Moms house for about 5 hours talking to and comforting my family and my mon has never forgotten that. Leroy didn't have to, but he escorted my Dad and the family to the cemetery himself and I'll never forget that as long as I live. I loved Leroy as family and he will be missed.
Hugh Holland
July 6, 2012
Leroy was a very gentle soul. A man who always took the time to listen and would always try to put a postive spin on things. He loved the price is right. He wil be sorely missed by those that knew and loved him. LP Link day will never be the same. Sandy & Hugh Holland
J. R. McGinnis
July 6, 2012
A good man who served his community well and an even better neighbor and friend. God be with you Leroy.
Mary Anna Rankin
July 6, 2012
Leroy was one of the first people I met when I started teaching in Gastonia. He certainly was an asset to Gaston County in so many ways.
Bob Powell
July 6, 2012
Leroy was a positive presence and will be missed greatly.
Kate Cloninger Brown
July 6, 2012
I knew Leroy for a number of years, and he was always ready with a smile, joke or hug when he saw you. Heaven has gained another angel! God bless to his family and friends.
Pat Hoffman
July 6, 2012
Mr. Leroy gives me my driver's licenses in 1974. He made me comfortable right away. He said you know there in a stop sign in this parking lot. Just so you know a lot of folks don't get passed that point. We laugh and the rest of the test was a breeze. I have always cherished that memory. I am so glad that, I was lucky enough to have him touch my life. We didn't see each very often, but when we did he always knew who I was as I did him. He will be missed by all who knew him. To the family thanks for sharing such a wonderful person we us. God Bless.
H Marty Schelper
July 6, 2012
In January of '76, it was my turn to spread my wings and obtain my first driver's license. I had been told by friends, "pray that you get 'Leroy'", they said he was awesome, really made you forget you were nervous! I heard he even let folks drive barefoot if that made them less nervous. It was in the winter, but I took my driving test barefooted. He was blessed by God with a gift, after I got in the car with him, I was so relaxed. I've never forgotten him. RIP Leroy, my personal experience with you left a lasting impression upon me. God bless you and your family!
Mike Craig
July 6, 2012
My first memory of Leroy was in the fall of 1955 when he was the manager of the undefeated football team at Stanley High School. I was in 7th grade and helped him. It was the beginning of my managing, later baseball at Stanley High, and for 3 years as baseball manager at UNC in Chapel Hill where I was a member of an ACC Championship team in 1964. Leroy was my inspiration.
Leroy had so many talents and served so many people in various life endeavors.
He will be missed, that is for sure.
We remained friends all these years
PAULA DUBE
July 6, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Debbie Moss Dills
July 6, 2012
May God's comfort be with the family during this difficult time. Leroy was truly a very special man. He will be missed.
Angela Skidmore
July 6, 2012
God Bless You Leroy My thoughts and Prayers are with your family and the Sheriff Department you will be greatly missed
Frances Reddick Borchgrevink
July 6, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Leory's passing. Leroy has always been remembered by me, since my first job was at Carother's Funeral Home and the pestering he did. Loved that guy and he will be missed. Heaven has a good angel.
Sherry Carver
July 6, 2012
Leroy Russell was one of my dearest and best friends over a span of nearly 40 years. He was the kind of friend I would go with at 3am to get a milkshake or go for a ride, once as far as Augusta GA and back. I have witnessed him leave a 50% tip because he thought the waitress needed the help, or pay a utility bill for somebody who was down on their luck. I think everybody knows how funny he could be and what a good and capable lawman he was, but nobody will ever know all of the acts of kindness he did anonymously. Heaven is a sweeter place this morning. I'll see you there, Buddy! Signed "Knucklehead."
Gary Queen
July 6, 2012
A good friend.
July 6, 2012
For the first time Leroy, you now have unwanted attention called to yourself. You deserve it with all the good you have done for this county and its citizens. From all of us to you and yours, we thank you for your stedfastness. Godspeed to your family.Shirley Wiggins & Family
July 6, 2012
What a dear, dear man. He will be so missed by so many. Gentle and kind but tough enough to be the sheriff! Quite a combination.
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