Samuel Clifford Russell age 89 of Waynesville, NC passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born in Haywood County, NC on December 22, 1935 to the late Walter and Celia Massie Russell.
Sam served his country honorably in the US Army. He retired following 30 years of service with the US Postal Service. His passion was farming, tending to his cattle, and going to auctions. Sam loved his family and friends. He worked hard, always doing something all the way up to a few weeks before he passed. Sam was patient and had a easy going manner. He will be greatly missed by all and he is in a better place rejoicing in Heaven.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Setzer Russell; siblings, Irene Smathers, Mark Russell, Billy Russell, Ruth Caldwell, Walter Russell, Florence Wilde, Delma Sue Reece, and Bobby Russell.
Left to cherish Sam's memory is his son, Kelly Russell; sisters, Shelby Moore and Doris Hall; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his special dog, Luke.
Funeral services for Sam will be held at 2 PM on Monday, April 7, 2025 in the chapel of Garrett Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles Dean officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday prior to the service from 12 to 2 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will follow services at Green Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Levi Monteith, Matthew Brookshire, Robby Moore, Gary Russell, Randy Hall, and Danny Ray Wood. Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Hugh and Carol Russell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross or Mountain Projects,
2177 Asheville Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786.
Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the family. A message of comfort may be made to the family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
