Robert Earl Russell

November 8, 1932 - August 30, 2018
Robert Earl Russell

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Robert E. Russell, 85, died at Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Wilmington, NC, on August 30, 2018.

Bob was born in Vermillion, SD to William R. & Alma Russell, the oldest of 8 boys. He graduated from Vermillion High School in 1950. He attended the University of South Dakota, majoring in Engineering. He married Theodosia Marie Evans, December 25, 1955 at Ft. Bragg, NC while he was stationed in the Army.

Bob worked building grain elevators throughout the Midwest with Tillotson Construction, Mid-States Construction and Stout Construction. He worked his way from field to general superintendent to president of Quad States Construction. Most of those years he resided in Manson, IA. It is there, he started his own business, T.R. Russell Construction, Inc. Bob and Dosie moved to North Carolina in 2000. His engineering expertise allowed him to continue to work as a consultant and travel to Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada with Sawatzky, Ltd. and Portland Systems. It is in Hampstead, NC that he retired. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, making woodcraft projects, spending time with his family on Topsail Beach and loved the family super bowl pool and lottery. He loved getting to know where anyone was from and their story. He served on the Topsail Greens neighborhood board. He loved to watch and listen to baseball and always had a ball cap on especially his Harvard or Twins one. He enjoyed stories of what his grandkids were up to and always had a story to share.

He is survived by his wife, Theodosia and children, Robert E. (Denise) Russell Jr., Nancy (Craig) Poppen, and Suzanne (Tim) Davis; his grandchildren; Brandon (Amber) Russell, Cade Russell, Sean (Taylor) Poppen, Haylie (Kurt) Steffensmeier, Angela and Dalten Davis; his great-grandchildren, Elijah, Zoey and Noah Russell and Olivia and Parker Steffensmeier; and his brothers, Mark, Bill and Dennis Russell. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Alma and brothers, Roger, Jack, Jim & Byron.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor in tribute to his wife Dosie to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Lower Cape Fear Hospice (www.lcfhfoundation.org) in Wilmington, NC.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 16076 US Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC 28443.


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  • September 04, 2018
    judith juliet madison says:
    Bob's contribution to the Topsail Greens community was immeasurable; the community is a better place due to his years of dedicated and expert service. He took his difficult personal challenges in stride and rarely complained, although those who knew him know all too well that he had plenty to say about most other things! He suffered no fools, and had a tendency to be right nearly all the time. His rascally demeanor (at times) disguised a soft heart; he was completely dependable and would offer help to anyone who needed it. I admired his strength despite personal adversity, and his kindness, intelligence and expertise. I'm grateful to have known him, and I'll miss him; his visits, working with him on the board, and seeing him drive through the neighborhood in his characteristic slow crawl. Condolences to his family, of which he was rightfully proud.

  • September 04, 2018
    Virginia M Huebner says:
    The community has suffered a great loss with Bob's passing. He and Dosie were always right there when my late husband would ride by in the golf cart with Koko, our dog, on board. He always had time for a short visit and let you know what was on his mind. We will all miss him as he rode thru slowly taking in all that there was in the community. Always looking to make sure everything was ok in here. He was like our own police force. You will be missed by one and all, Bob, and make sure you watch over us all here and let us know when something is wrong. God bless you and your family.

  • September 05, 2018
    Deborah Ratliff says:
    Sorry For your loss I send my condolences and prayers to the family It was a pleasure knowing Mr. Bob

  • September 05, 2018
    Denise Sweede says:
    So sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers.

  • September 06, 2018
    Mark & Susan Russell says:
    We are grieving with you. The passing of your Dad is a great loss to the family. May the grace of the Lord Jesus comfort you and give you peace.