Thomas Wayne Russell, Jr.

Thomas Wayne Russell, Jr., 64, of Concord, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Thomas passed away at his home in Concord. Thomas was born August 3, 1959 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Jacqueline “Jackie” M. Russell and the late Thomas Wayne Russell.

Thomas, or for those who knew him, Rusty. Rusty had a passion for sports. He loved baseball, football and playing golf. He graduated from Hillcrest High school in Sumter, South Carolina. Rusty was a member of the P-15 baseball team in Sumter, South Carolina. After high school, Rusty briefly attended Newberry College where he played baseball. He worked and managed various retail stores until he found a calling to join the Navy. Rusty went to “A School” while in the Navy and became a corpsman. He earned a National Defense Service Medal during his years in the service and he was honorably discharged in 1994. His Naval service sparked his interest in healthcare. Rusty earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Catawba College and became an RCIS, Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, working in several hospitals caring for patients in the cardiac catheterization lab.

Rusty had a good sense of humor, a strong sense of patriotism for his country, was a Christian and was devoted to his family and loved people in general. He was a strong “people” person and never met a stranger. He was a die-hard Carolina Panthers Fan and a proud Duke Fan. He started the Russell-McSwain Family Golf Tournament held at the annual Russell-McSwain Family reunion each summer in Durham, NC. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 12:00 pm until 12:45 pm at Pitts Baptist Church, in Concord, North Carolina. Funeral service immediately to follow at 1:00 pm at the church, officiated by Pastor Scott Davis. Burial will follow at Norview Gardens 949 Pee Dee Avenue in Norwood, North Carolina. 

Survivors include his Wife, Juanita Russell of Concord, NC; Mother, Jacqueline M. Russell of Durham, NC; daughter, Michelle Wilson (Joey) of Concord, NC; son Christopher Beeker (Hannah); sister, Melissa Leeds (Robert) of Bahama, NC; brother, Mark Russell (Lisa) of Durham; grandchildren Blake and Garrett Wilson; Henry, Sam and Lucy Beeker; Nieces and Nephews,  Michael Supples, Matthew Supples, Kaila Russell, Abby Russell and Justin Clay. Rusty is also survived by his Uncle Bill Russell of Edgewood, Maryland, and Aunt Janelle McSwain of Albemarle, NC, and many cousins. 

Pallbearers will be Joey Wilson, Chris Beeker, Blake Wilson, Mark Russell, Matthew Supples, and John Russell. Honorary pallbearer will be Rusty’s uncle, Bill. As requested by Rusty, bagpipes will be played by Michael Supples.

Memorials may be made to Pitts Baptist Church Bus Fund.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Russell family.