- Date Of Birth: June 11, 1954
- Date Of Death: April 22, 2023
- State: North Carolina
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 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.
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.
