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Russell Steven Mountcastle
Russell Steven Mountcastle
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Russell Mountcastle Obituary
Born in Richmond to the late Joseph Wilson Mountcastle and Elizabeth Glazebrook Mountcastle, Russell's life was marked by dedication, perseverance, and love for his family. A graduate of Huguenot High School, he served in the Army National Guard before embarking on a distinguished career in the telecommunications industry. He began with Western Electric and advanced through leadership roles, ultimately retiring in 2014 as Vice President of Advanced Services for Avaya Government Solutions after 45 years of service.
Russell embraced life with gratitude and enthusiasm, often saying, "Every day I wake up is a great day." An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in bird hunting, particularly his annual trips to South Dakota for pheasant hunting and Canada for goose hunting with close friends. A devoted Labrador Retriever enthusiast, he took pride in training his dogs, including a field trial champion. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially cheering on his four grandsons at their sporting events and enjoying days at the family's home on the Rappahannock River.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Katherine; his daughters, Heather M. Wirt (Randy) and Amy M. Barker (Terry), on whom the sun rose and set in his eyes; his grandsons, Zachary Edward and Evan Patrick Wirt, and Dylan Reid and Owen Robert Barker; his sister, Barbara M. Holmes (Roy) of Midlothian; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Russell's legacy of strength, kindness, and humor will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be held for close friends and family on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Goochland Fire and Rescue, Fairground Road, Goochland, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Zachary Wirt
February 20, 2025
While Pop was my grandfather, he was always more of a best friend to me. I´d always look forward to the activities we´d do together whether it was going on a boat ride, dropping a line in the water, or firing off a few rounds in the backyard just for the hell of it. Whenever me, or any of my cousins asked him to go out and do one of those things he´d clear his calendar immediately and made sure we´d have the best times together. Not only was he a best friend, but also a mentor - you could say I wanted to be just like him. He was the one who taught me how to drive the boat, how to fish, and how to handle a gun; he even bought me my first fishing pole and gun. I´ll forever be grateful for those lessons. Me, along with my younger brother Evan, and two cousins Dylan and Owen, will miss the advice, the witty one-liners, and all the good times we had together. We´ll all love and miss you greatly Rusty.
John Metz
February 18, 2025
Wishing peace and strength to you and your family, Kathy.
Ann Anderson
February 16, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Russel's passing. I know he will be greatly missed by you, Kathy, all of his family and numerous friends . I remember the great times we had in our Sunday School class at Central. Les and I are keeping all of you in our prayers for God's peace and comfort
Pam Caffrey
February 16, 2025
Kathy, Heather, and Amy, I am sorry to hear of your Dad´s passing. He was a fine man and I know he loved all of his family. I enjoyed all the times that Tom and I had date nights with Russell and Kathy. Russell had a good sense of humor and liked to tease. I even laughed when he called me "ditch witch"! I pray that God will give you all peace and comfort.
Pam Caffrey
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Terrence R Barker
February 15, 2025
Dear Mr. Mountcastle,
Not a day goes by that we don´t think of you. Your kindness, wisdom, and warmth left an everlasting impact on our lives. You welcomed me into your family with open arms, and for that, I will always be grateful.
I remember when you would host Easter at your house for the grandkids and their friends with bouncy houses... It was a great tradition that we all looked forward to. I remember all the times when I needed help with home projects and you were there within the hour (especially if the request came from Amy). I remember all the great times at the river when we would just hang out and play cards with the family. I remember all the wonderful times we had at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I miss your stories, your laughter, and the way you made everyone around you feel special. Thank you for the love, the lessons, and the memories-we carry them with us always.
Rest in peace, knowing you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
With love and gratitude,
Your son-in-law and friend, Terry.
Randy Wirt
February 14, 2025
Mr. M (rarely did I call him Russell) was a tremendous father-in-law in many ways and would drop anything and everything when the family needed his help. He was always willing to help out with projects, advice, and support to the family and thoroughly enjoyed the times we could all get together. Not just his words, but in his actions, he exhibited patience and perseverance and never ever did he take shortcuts to get projects done right. He was a genuine listener and deeply cared about the family's activities, career paths, and his grandkids' shenanigans:). I will sincerely miss his advice and knowledge on many topics but above all, after 33 years since I first met him, I will miss his friendship. I know he's looking down on all of us with a splash of bourbon in a highball glass.
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