Kenneth “Ken” Russell, 87 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Leland, North Carolina in the company of his family on Friday, January 25, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on December 3, 1931, in Massachusetts, Ken was the youngest son of the late James Frances and Margaretta Katerina Russell. He served in the United States Air Force, and took advantage of the G.I. Bill to obtain both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. While stationed in Spokane, Washington, Ken met and married his wife of 64 years, Janiel Wallace. He worked as an engineer with a number of companies, including working in the NASA Space Program in Florida. He retired from General Electric Company in 1993. Together with their three children, Ken and Janiel lived in a number of states, finally settling in Burlington, Vermont for over 20 years, then retiring in North Carolina in 1998.
Ken was a dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor to many young people. He had a quietly strong yet gentle character and a keen, quick sense of humor. He enjoyed boating, do-it-yourself projects, photography, and golf. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janiel Russell; their children, Roxann Broughton, Dean Russell, and Connie Crawford, and their children’s families, including nine grandchildren; as well as his brothers James Russell and Robert Russell. He will be forever in our hearts.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sonya, Tammi and the staff of Amedysis Hospice Care for their kind and loving care.
A Memorial Service for Ken will take place on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 11:00 am with a short reception to follow at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.
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1535 South 41st Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-791-9099
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