Freeman C. Russ Sr.

RUSS, Freeman C. Sr., 82, of Bradenton, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Memorial services were held March 25, 2009 at Community Baptist Church in Bradenton. Mr. Russ was born October 21, 1926 in Buena Vista, Virginia, and was a son of the late Horace Alexander Russ and Margaret Harltess Russ. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sarah L. Russ of Bradenton, Florida; two daughters, Marcia Russ Davis and husband, Tommy, of Lexington, Vicki Jarrett and husband, Billy, of Bradenton, Florida; four sons, Freeman C. Russ Jr. and wife, Linda, of Lynchburg, Donald Pike and his wife, Tricia, of Hanover, Randy Pike of Powhatan, Marty Pike and his wife, Mary Ann, of Birmingham, Alabama; sister, Odessa Russ Milburn of Daleville; brother, Clinton Russ and wife, Nita, of Buena Vista; sister-in-law, Fannie Clark Russ of Buena Vista; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved pet, Roxie. He was preceded in death by a brother, Horace Edward "Buck" Russ; and his previous wife, Doris Javins Russ. Mr. Russ was a charter member of the Buena Vista Rescue Squad. He served his country with the United States Navy during WWII. For many years he lived in Richmond, Virginia, and retired from the C&O Railroad as a train dispatcher, after 37 years of service. Mr. Russ retired to Bradenton, Florida, where he enjoyed boating and fishing. He was an avid golfer and treasured his friends and members of the 19 Holer Golf Club. He was a member of the Community Baptist Church. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family who will miss him dearly. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Mechanicsville, Virginia, with Rev. Brooke Willson officiating. Reception will be held in Mechanicsville following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TideWell Hospice, 355 26th St. W., Bradenton, Florida, or Community Baptist Church, 5500 18th St. E., Bradenton, Florida, or Buena Vista Rescue Squad, Buena Vista, Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.