Charles Eugene Russell

Charles Eugene Russell, age 75 of Asheville, NC, passed away from a long illness Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Duke University Hospital. The son of Cecil and Jewell Russell, Charles was born December 29, 1938 in Montgomery County, NC. Charles played college baseball for and graduated from Pfeiffer University in 1961 and served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in a Transportation Division stationed at Fort Bragg. A Certified Public Accountant, Charles was a partner at Painter, Russell & Associates PLLC since 1992 (retired in 2011). Very involved in his local community, Charles was a Trustee on the Mission Foundation Board, faithfully serving Mission Health System and the Mission Healthcare Foundation for almost 20 years. He served as Foundation Board Chair (2005-2008) and was the Foundation Chair serving at the time of the opening of the Mission Reuter Children’s Outpatient Building. As a Foundation Board member, Charles served on its Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Board Development and Nominating Committee, and chaired each of these committees. Charles also served as a Director on the Board of Ingles Markets, Inc. since 2001. He also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. During his career Charles served on many committees and boards of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and was awarded the state society’s first annual Public Service Award for outstanding services to public and civic organizations. He and his wife made Kimberly Avenue in Asheville, NC their home for almost 40 years and were members of First Baptist Church of Asheville where he served as Chairman of the Deacons and the Finance Committee for several terms. He also taught Sunday School for many years. Charles lived his life full of grace, honor, dignity, respect for others, and an incredibly friendly attitude toward others. Those who worked with him closely remarked on his encouragement, teaching, mentoring, guidance, and wise counsel. Charles counted his family as his greatest blessing and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanne Halbrook Russell, his daughter Jamie Russell Dalton, son-in-law John Dalton, and his grandchildren, Jenna, Meredith, Claire (and Luke 2009-2010) and his aunt, Catherine Morris of Troy, NC. Charles spent his free time woodworking, sailing, golfing, gardening, and enjoying music. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Asheville on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 11:00AM. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorials can be made in his memory to Mission Children’s Hospital: c/o Mission Healthcare Foundation, 890 Hendersonville Rd., Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803 or the First Baptist Church Education Fund: 5 Oak St., Asheville, NC 28801.

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Charles Eugene Russell

December 29, 1938 - August 28, 2014