Gerald "Russell" Metts

Gerald "Russell" Metts, 66, of Trenton, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Russell was born on August 22, 1958, in Jacksonville, North Carolina to Ivey Roosevelt Metts, Sr. and Patricia Foy Metts.

Words are inadequate to express what a beautiful and unique gift Russell was. He was absolutely the best husband, father, and grandpa. He loved the LORD with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He was the dearest, sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful and gentle person in the world. Russell cared for people deeply, encouraged them unceasingly, and loved them unconditionally. He left such a good example on how to live 1Corinthians 13, the LOVE chapter. He believed the best in everyone, was slow to anger, long-suffering, and quick to forgive. He was goodly, godly, and loved to share the Gospel. Not only was Russell a priceless gift, he was a gracious giver - always giving. He loved his family faithfully and fiercely, working so very hard allowing Debbie to stay home to raise and school their beautiful and always growing family. He'd be so tired from working but would muster the strength to ride the grandkids on the 4-wheeler or motorcycle. He was always there helping, encouraging, doing hard work where most would have sat down. Russell loved Christmas because the entire world had to acknowledge that JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. And he LIVED Christmas. He told people "Merry Christmas" all year long and his favorite phrase was "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men!" Russell lived his life for the Gospel of Peace, for the Kingdom of God's Dear Son. While our loss is incredibly great, and we feel it so very deeply and immensely, his legacy remains to comfort us, but most importantly, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he is now with his Heavenly Father, the KING of kings and the LORD of lords.

Thankful for his life and continuing in his memory are his beloved wife of 38 years Debbie Riggs Metts; children, Timothy Metts, Laura Freeman and her husband Harvey, Daniel Metts, Jessica Robinson and her husband Marcus, Karen Metts, Bonnie Metts, Kaitlyn Webster and her husband Caleb, Anna Metts, Jaimy Metts, Joseph Metts, Joshua Metts; grandchildren, Seth Freeman, Elijah Freeman, Zadok Freeman, Asher Freeman, Ian Freeman, Ronan Freeman, Levi Webster, Evelyn Webster, Marceline Robinson; mother Patricia Foy; and brother Kenneth Metts.

He is predeceased by his father Ivey Metts, Sr. and his brother Ivey (Bud) Metts, Jr.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations can be made in Russell's honor to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, 828.262.1980, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, North Carolina 28560. Funeral Service will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 616 Broad St, New Bern, North Carolina 28560 on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 1:00 pm. He will be laid to rest following the service at Trenton Memorial Cemetery. 

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Russell Metts.