Les Russ

Oscar Leslie Russ, Jr. (Les) passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. He leaves behind those he loved the most, which include his wife of 53 years Peggy Neill Russ, daughters Christy Russ Hardy, of Greensboro, NC, Melissa Russ of Charlotte, son-in-law John Hardy, and grandchildren Beth Hardy, William Hardy, and Preston Russ. Les grew up in Jacksonville, NC and was the son of deceased Oscar and Mary Russ. He grew up enjoying the full adventures of the backwaters of Eastern North Carolina. His elementary education was in Jacksonville, graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy, got his Bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University, and served his country in the US Army. His adult life was shaped and formed by his most successful 36 year career as a pharmaceutical salesman with Merck Sharpe and Dohme. His love and greatest pleasure was experienced with the interactions with his family, his friends and involvement with his three grandchildren, Beth, William and Preston. He had an endless desire to learn, read, and understand the world and its ever changing events. Les never met a stranger. His ability to provide a quick witted response, share a story that would make you laugh, and his skillful ability to strike up a conversation defined his personality. In the final hours, Les's quiet assurance of his trust and faith in the living God gave his family and friends the strength they needed to continue their journey. He lived a life that embraced family and friends. His presence and laugh will be sorely missed, but the belief and understanding that he has simply gone ahead only to be rejoined in the future has given hope and courage to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest gifts honoring Les be made to St. John's Baptist Church and/or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Please refer to the column to the left of the obituary and select "Place A Donation" for further information. -

Service Information

Saturday, March 31st, 2012 3:00pm, St. John's Baptist Church

Interment Details

Private