Rev. Hugh W. Russell Jr.

Leicester-Rev. Hugh William Russell, Jr., 64, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 22, 2017, at The Homestead. Hugh was born in Cocke County, TN, on June 21, 1953, to the late Hugh, Sr. and Barbara Ramsey Russell. Hugh was an avid fisherman and was “a trout’s worst nightmare”. He worked for 25 years at the Oconaluftee Job Corp Center and from there he retired into the United Methodist Ministry serving as pastor in several churches in Haywood and Buncombe Counties. Hugh was a member of Waynesville Masonic Lodge, where he served as secretary for several years and was Past Master of Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. In addition to his parents, Hugh was preceded in death by a daughter, Racheal Russell; a son, Timothy Russell; and his brothers, Ricky Dean and Jeffery Russell. Hugh is survived by his daughters, Christa Shipman (Matthew), Erin Gunter (Chris), and Rebecca Painter (Jon); a brother, Calvin Russell (Ruth Ann); lifetime best friend, Dale Redden (Marie); grandchildren, Rachel Brooks, Taylor Shipman, Hunter Brooks, Levi Meade, Tate Gunter, Bodie Gunter, Caleb Painter, Andrew Painter, and Abigail Painter; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Hugh’s life will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 30, in the chapel of Garrett Funerals and Cremations with the Reverend Eric Hill and Chaplain Keri Hill officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-5 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Masonic Rites will be performed following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Greenville, at 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605. The family would like to offer a word of thanks to the nurses and staff at The Homestead for their care and compassion. A message of comfort may be left for the family and an online guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com