William Abner Russell, Jr.

William (Willie) Abner Russell, Jr. of Asheboro, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the age of 68. He was born June 11, 1954 in Asheboro, North Carolina to the late William Abner Russell, Sr. and Arlene Anglemyer Russell.
 
Willie grew up and lived most of his life on the land his parents bought in 1955. He loved his home and rarely ventured far. In his later years, he was content sitting on his back porch watching the birds, deer, and squirrels. In his younger years, he loved riding his horses across the fields.    

Willie suffered a massive stroke at the age of 45 that left him with life changing disabilities for the rest of his life. Those who knew him well know he had a stubborn streak. This determination served him well as he learned to live independently with significant physical challenges. He learned how to cook, clean, mow his yard and fields, and took great pride in his handiwork on his property. His strong will in the face of such challenges was admirable.  

Willie loved bluegrass music. When he was younger, he played guitar and sang bluegrass with friends. His favorites were Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks. Although his speech was greatly affected by the stroke, he could still sing most words to his favorite bluegrass songs. Music brought him great joy in life, and he shared that with others.  

He also had a love for old cars and trucks. One source of great pride was the red 1956 Chevy truck he remodeled with a friend in the 1990’s. He enjoyed being able to show his truck to friends and take an occasional drive.  

Willie loved to have visits from family and friends to sit on the porch or share a cup of coffee or a milkshake.  

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Lednum Russell, beloved brother in law, Henry McNeill, and his grandson Ethan Michael Smith.  

He is survived by daughters, April Russell Coleman (Randy) of Lexington, Kimberly Russell Stewart (Joshua) of Charlottesville, Virginia, devoted and loving sisters and brothers in law, Kenneth and Anna Hill of Asheboro, and James and Kay McNeill Brown of Seagrove, grandchildren Micah Stewart, Hayllie Coleman Hedrick (Chris). Hunter Coleman (Madison), several great grandchildren, nephew, Andrew Hill (Keri), great nephews, Adam and Michael Hill, friend, Larry Thompson, and lastly, his dear friend and neighbor, Doug Kinney, who showed great kindness and helped Willie and his family in so many ways.
   
Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM Thursday at the Loflin Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

A celebration of life service will be held at Loflin Funeral Home Chapel, Ramseur, Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 3:00 PM, Rev. David Lambeth and Rev. David Reynolds officiating.

Burial, Mt. Tabor Community Church, Asheboro.

Condolences may be made online at www.loflinfuneralservice.com.  

Arrangements by Loflin Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

Memorials may be made to American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692.

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