Russell Edgar Weeks, Jr.

Russell E. Weeks, Jr.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Senator Russell Edgar Weeks Jr. of New Bern, North Carolina. Senator Weeks and his wife, Helen Catherine Weeks, were longtime residents of Beckley, West Virginia, prior to moving to North Carolina in 2017. Senator Weeks passed quietly at his home on December 19, 2024. He was 82.

A funeral mass will be held 12:00pm Friday December 27, 2024 at Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Washington, NC and will be officiated by Father Reyes. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

Senator Weeks was preceded in death by his parents, the late Russell Edgar Weeks, Sr. and his wife Jeanette Rees Weeks. He is survived by his wife, Helen Catherine Weeks, his daughter, Sharon Katherine Tolbert (James Michael Tolbert), and his son, Russell Edgar Weeks III (Kelly Jean Weeks). He is also survived by his sister, Patricia George, and his brother, Thomas Arthur Weeks of Beckley. Senator Weeks was also blessed by three granddaughters, Magdelaine Suzanne Weeks, Sara Jean Weeks, and Jenna Dale Weeks.

Russ Weeks attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia until 1959, when he chose to enlist in the Navy, where he enjoyed a full twenty-year career, encompassing many duty stations, beginning with the U.S.S. John R. Perry (DE1034), which led to his participation in the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. Upon returning to the states, he attended Naval Sub School in New London, Connecticut, which afforded him the opportunity to serve on multiple submarines, including the U.S.S. Amberjack (SS 522), the U.S.S. Grenadier (SS 525), and the U.S.S. Capricornus (AKA-57). He then volunteered for service in Vietnam, serving in River Division 554 in the Mekong Delta. As Boat Captain he considered bringing his crew home safely through a tour as his proudest military achievement. After serving honorably in Vietnam, Russ was selected to serve as a Naval recruiter and to represent the Navy at the 1976 Boy Scout Jamboree. Following a distinguished Naval career, Russ retired and moved his family to his hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, where he worked successfully in both the construction and mining industries, as well as in industrial chemical sales.

Upon his return, Russ and Helen became prominent advocates in the pro-life movement and were awarded special recognition by the Raleigh County Chapter of Right to Life in May 2007 for their many years of service. This commitment to the protection of unborn life served as inspiration for a successful run for the West Virginia State Senate in 2002. Senator Weeks’ life was one of selfless service for the continued good of his family, his community, and his country. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request a financial contribution to Birthright @ https://birthright.org/ or your preferred charitable organization.

Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, NC is honored to serve the Weeks family.