Jack Erwin Russell

Jack Erwin Russell completed his journey in this life on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the age of 95. He was born July 25, 1927 in Concord, North Carolina to parents Forrest G. Russell and Irma Riddle Russell.

One of five siblings, he grew up in Concord and was reared on a farm where he early on learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and honesty, which he carried through life. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Agricultural Education and enjoyed a long career as a teacher, initially in Science and later in High School Agriculture. He retired from Auburndale Senior High in 1979 and later was honored by having his name on a new agriculture building as a tribute to his many years of service to the program.

On December 16, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Atha Tucker, and they were blessed with 65 years together until she passed in 2016. They moved to Lakeland, FL in 1959, which remained their home. Jack served his country in the Navy from 1945–1948, and was always proud of his time in the military.

In his younger years, Jack enjoyed a variety of interest, including Future Farmers of America, gardening, travel, fishing, and avid sports watching.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and beloved wife Atha.

Jack is survived by his two children, Stephen (Hilda) and Wanda (fiancé John), four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Visitation from 12 PM - 2 PM, Graveside service at 2 PM.

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