Russ was born on April 26, 1925 in Linden, NJ to the late Myrtle and Russell D. Spinks. Russ grew up in Clinton NJ with his older predeceased brother Edward and his baby brother Al.
Russ and his wife Deloris settled in Layton, NJ to work and raise a family. Russ retired from NJ Fish and Wildlife Area in Layton, NJ as a Wildlife Biologist. He was an avid outdoorsman and gentleman farmer. In his retirement he and his wife, Deloris, worked and managed Valley Brook Farm, growing corn, tomatoes and other vegetables that he sold at his roadside stand. He grew the best corn in NJ, winning multiple blue ribbons at the NJ State Fair!
Russ proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Bataan 1942-1946. Russ was also a member of The American Legion, Post 157 in Branchville NJ.
Russ was predeceased by his beloved wife Deloris (Zentek) and beloved son Russell B. Spinks. He is survived by his loving children Lorrie Baumann (James), Dr. Patricia Farrell, Dr. Thaddeus "Ted" Spinks (Jennifer) and Mary O’Sullivan (Marcus.) Also, his 9 grandchildren, Jenny and John Bright, Bernie, Katie and Laura Farrell, Peter and Matthew Spinks and Laura and Christopher O’Sullivan and 6 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church, 210 US-206, Sandyston, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the church, interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Franklin, NJ.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Russell's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, Branchville, NJ. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodfuneralhome.net.
