Donald "Don" Rex Russell

Donald (Don) Rex Russell, 76, of Summerfield, NC, went to his heavenly home on April 21, surrounded by family at his residence. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roe and Cleo Russell and half-sister, Martha Reeder. Surviving include his wife of 56 years, Hazel (Purgason); sons, Greg (wife, Laurie and daughters Alexa and Aaralyn) of Clemmons, NC, and Brannon (wife, Suzanne, son, Kollbe, daughters, Hadlee and Zaydee) of Summerfield, NC; sister, Jo Ellen (Vance); half-sister, Louise Russell; special niece, Rebecca Pearman and special nephew, Michael Davenport; and several nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of the Bethany community in Rockingham County, Don worked as a supervisor at DuPont (Martinsville, Va), retiring in 1993. Don filled his retirement days easily, as he enjoyed spending as much time as possible outdoors; he could be found in the woods cutting a tree, working in his garden, or riding his lawn mower on an almost daily basis. He took great care in maintaining his property and rarely stopped working before daylight was extinguished. A member of Smyrna Presbyterian for more than 50 years, he served his church by serving as both a Deacon and Elder. Don experienced kidney failure in 1999; for the past 19.5 years, he received dialysis treatments 3 days weekly. The family would like to recognize and thank the Northwest Dialysis Center of Greensboro for their excellent care and compassion. The family also appreciates the support provided by Hospice of Rockingham County in the final week of Don's life. Visitation will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home from 4:45 to 6:45 pm on Tuesday, April 23; the funeral service will follow immediately in the chapel at 7:00 pm. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to Smyrna Presbyterian Church, c/o Ann Dixon, 291 Crowder Road, Madison, NC 27025, in Don's memory would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.