Walter Jack Russ, Sr.

Walter Jack Russ, Sr., 84, of Morganton passed from this life into his eternal glory on Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Born in Cleveland County, NC on June 27,1933, he was the son of the late William Lee Russ and Ruby Verlene Johnson Russ. Jack was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church where he truly enjoyed worshiping and singing. He was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Men and was actively involved for many years. Mr. Russ was also a veteran of the N.C. National Guard.

Mr. Russ retired from the city of Morganton where he worked in the Finance Department and was the city tax collector for 18 years. During those years he completed the County Administrative Course at the Institute of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.

Jack enjoyed sports in all capacities: watching, coaching, and playing. He loved the outdoors and passing his love of rabbit hunting on to his grandchildren. He was an amateur boxer with Oak Hill Sports Club in the 1950's; he coached various church and recreation athletic teams, and he was especially devoted to his Carolina Tarheels.

Jack took pride in his community. In the 1970's, he was instrumental in the development of the Morganton High School Booster Club. He served as President of Burke County Recreation Athletic Commission. He was also one of the founding members of the Salem Athletic Foundation and served as president for 9 years.

Jack had a talent for gardening. He had a green thumb and was able to coax the most difficult plants into growing! His garden was a source of pride for many years, and he could most often be found working in the soil. Giving his produce to others gave him great joy.

Jack was especially proud of his family. He and Mrs. Russ met at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in their teens and were married for 66 years. He truly enjoyed visits from his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even when he was sick, his eyes sparkled and a smile came on his face when the youngest children came to visit.  Mr. Russ is survived by his wife, Ailene Duckworth Russ of the home; children, Beverly Russ Scott and husband, Gary, of Morganton, William Thomas Russ and wife, Madelyn, of Union Mills, NC, Jackie Russ and wife, Rita, of Morganton; grandchildren, Zach Scott and wife, Victoria, Zeb Scott and wife, Angie, Laura Horton and husband, Hal, T.R. Russ and wife, Anna, Lindsey Moss and husband, Jeff, Courtney Russ-Friedman and husband, Dave, Chasity Poteat Rice and husband, Charlie, and Jessica Simonetti and husband, Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Silas Scott, Cason Scott, Garrett Scott, Eli Horton, Will Russ, James Russ, Madelyn Moss, Michael Moss, Olivia Lehn, Mathew Lehn, Mackenzie Huffman, Maverick Huffman, Maddox Huffman, and Jacob Simonetti; sister, Joyce Brittain and husband, Don; brother-in-law, Richard Williams; and sister-in-law, Katie Russ.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by a brother, John Russ; sister, Shirley Williams; and a grandson, Wesley Russ.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church.  The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Elaine Hall officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 201 Shady Rest Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all of Mr. Russ’ caregivers this past year.