William Russell Gaffney, Jr. (Russ) passed from this world into the next on Friday, October 9, 2026. Born in Spartanburg SC, he was the son of the late William Russell Gaffney, Sr. and Margaret Hughes Gaffney. The youngest of five and the only son in the family, his arrival was much celebrated – including a feature article in the local newspaper.
Following in the footsteps of his trumpet playing father, Russ started playing in high school and enjoyed playing in bands for most of his life. Music was very important to him, and he was very proud that his children inherited a love of music as well.
Russ was also a lifelong fan of aviation and spent many hours playing with his flight simulator.
In addition to music and aviation, Russ loved to tell a good story. The stories varied from telling to telling, a practice he called “colorizing the truth.” His friends and acquaintances enjoyed his long Facebook posts detailing his children’s accomplishments, trips, or meal experiences.
No remembrance of Russ would be complete without mentioning his famous love of shrimp in any and all forms.
Raised Catholic, Russ spent most of his adult years following the Protestant tradition before returning to his Catholic roots in his later years when his faith became increasingly important to him.
Russ was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Gaffney Wagner as well as his parents. He is survived by his former wife Lou Anne Kennedy Gaffney, daughter Kathryn Gaffney Jellicorse (Will), son Michael Kenneth Gaffney (Kaitlyn), two grandchildren, sisters Peggy Gaffney Valletta (Joe), Fran Gaffney, and Margie Gaffney Cohan (Jeff), as well as five nieces and a nephew.
A Celebration of Russ’ Life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, October 30, 2026, in the Lineberry Center at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street, followed by a committal service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3901 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home with refreshments prior to the service at 11:30 am.
