On Monday, September 1, 2008, Mr. Eddie C. Russell, God's shepherd, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Russell was born in Winston-Salem, NC on December 22, 1926 to Eddie C. and Lizzie Barnes Copeland Russell. In 1945 and 1946 he served in the United States Army as a member of the Security Forces in Germany. He served in Korea from 1950 to 1951. His military decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Star Devices, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge and The Purple Heart.

Eddie and his wife arrived in California in 1960. He worked for the city of Los Angeles until he retired with almost 35 years of loyal service.

Eddie was dedicated to God and his family. He enjoyed being with his family, working hard and traveling. He set the example in providing for his family, and he always taught his son the value of hard work and securing an education.

Eddie held membership in the flowing organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Western Knights Lodge No. 56 F&AM, Starlight Chapter No. 51 of the Order of the Eastern Star; Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Masons.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Clara Barnes Puryear and Cora Copeland, and his brother Johnny Barnes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jeanette Bell Russell; a son, Eddie Russell, III; grandchildren, Marissa, Callie, and Travis; three nieces, Betty Puryear Tillery (James) and Linda Puryear Eaton (John) of Laurel, MD and JoAnn Yarbrough of Salt Lake City, UT; five nephews, Robert L. Puryear (Jenny), John Puryear (Pearl) and William Puryear (Jean) of Philadelphia, PA and Earl Puryear (Valerie) and Samuel Puryear (Barbara) of Winston-Salem, NC; and several cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. Family visitation will be held from 10:30 am until 11 am Friday at the funeral home.