Samuel Scott Russ

Sam was born June 15, 1957, in Pensacola, FL, to William Albert Russ and the late Ann Fraser Russ. After graduating from Littlestown High School in 1975, he joined the US Marine Corps for a short time. After deciding to continue his education, he remained in the Marine Corps reserves and attended York College, with the intention that he would pivot into the US Navy directly after graduation. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Biology, but really aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become a Navy pilot. He attained that goal and remained in the Navy for eight years of active duty, before transitioning into civilian life.

During his Navy years. he was an EA-6B jet pilot and did his sea duty in Japan and served on the USS Midway. His last duty assignment was as a flight training instructor back in Pensacola, FL. Following military service, Sam joined American Airlines, where he had a great career and retired as a Captain after 34 years of service. He flew various aircraft during his time with American and truly enjoyed his profession. His favorite flights were the long haul overseas routes. He retired in the summer of 2022, and joined his wife at the automotive repair shop they owned jointly in Cary.

Sam had always had a love for collecting antiques and was fascinated by the hand-made items of previous eras. He also collected various items over the years, to include antique toys, quilts, furniture and Lionel trains. He went to the flea market in Raleigh nearly every weekend for years, often having his granddaughter Alexa, in tow in a wagon, from the time she was two years old. The vendors remember them to this day and she is now 20.

He enjoyed reading and learning about military history, particularly stories about the personal experiences of those who participated in the world wars of he 20th century. He loved Norman Rockwell and his wife truly believes that is the time in which he should have lived. He also liked woodworking and could repair any type of chairs, tables, etc. from his flea market and auction finds. He recently enjoyed taking Adam, oldest grandson, fishing and frog hunting. He also loved watching old movies and Andy Griffith reruns. Additionally, he enjoyed a good glass of wine and loved a good meal. His time in Japan resulted in Sam's fondness for all types of sushi. And - beer - always beer.

Sam was a pillar of strength, dignity and kindness to his family and to all that he met. Although he didn't feel he had a lot of friends, everyone who knew him respected and admired him. He had a quiet manner about him, and a really funny and wicked sense of humor. He had an easygoing personality and brought a sense of security and calmness to all those around him. He will be tremendously missed by all. His memory will live on forever to anyone who had the privilege to be a part of his life. The family is thankful that he did not endure a long and debilitating illness and ask that you pray for the family members to heal from this sudden and unexpected loss. We will all aspire to live up to his expectations of us in the years to come and make him proud.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Sam is survived by his son, David Scott Russ of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Alexa Krause, Adam Russ, and Nico Taylor. He is also survived by his father, William Albert Russ and his favorite mother-in-law, Joy Mills. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, William Albert Russ Jr. (Bill), David Wayne Russ, Aleta Ann Russ Harper, and brother-in-law, Scot Harper. He is also survived by his wife's siblings and several nieces and one nephew.

Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Fraser Russ, and by his son, Jordan Benson Russ.

In lieu of flowers, his wife would ask that you take the time and dollars needed to have a cardiac calcium test performed on yourself and/or a loved one. This will detect plaque build up, which could lead to a heart attack. This is the type of event called the "silent killer". If we could prevent even one person from going through this, it will help us to feel like we were able to save others by sharing this information.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 19, 2022 at 1 pm in the Chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home (200 SE Maynard Road in Cary, NC).

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