Russell H. Sherrill Jr.

Russell Hobson Sherrill, Jr. died Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Well-Spring. Russell was born on March 19, 1927, in Statesville, NC. He was the only child of the late Russell H. Sherrill, Sr., and Frances Willis Sherrill. He is preceded in death by his son, Russell “Rusty” H Sherrill, III.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Cornelius Sherrill, of 65 years; his daughter, Nancy Sherrill Horner (Kevin) of Raleigh; grandchildren Blair Sherrill Penny (Austin), Hobson Sherrill, Elizabeth Sherrill, Cameron Horner, William Horner and great-grandson Jack Garrison Penny.

Russell was reared in Statesville, NC, graduating from Statesville High School in 1945. He attended and graduated from NC State University where he was an active member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles.

Russell lived the rest of his life in Greensboro where he was employed by Burlington Industries for 38 years with the majority being a manager of Fiber Quality Control. He was President of Hamilton Lakes Civitan Club, member of Gate City Kiwanis Club, former board member of the Salvation Army and the Greensboro Historical Museum. He was married in First Presbyterian Church and wore many hats that included Youth Leader, Chair of the Board of Deacons, an Elder, member of various committees, the Friendship Day Coordinator and a long-time member of the Young Men’s Bible Class. His second “career” of 25 years was as a Caregiver on the Pastoral Care Committee where he offered spiritual presence and concern for church members in hospitals, extended-care facilities and nursing homes supporting the ministers.

Many may remember that he was never without a mint in his pocket to offer to anyone and everyone.

He was a loving husband and father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a faithful friend to many and cared for all he met. Russell was always a giver, thinking of others, and he donated countless pints of blood over the years to the American Red Cross.

Russell was an avid reader of mysteries in his later years and a keen puzzle worker as a younger dad with Nancy. He loved his time with his family whether playing cards, spending vacations with Rusty’s and Nancy’s families at the yearly Ocean Isle Beach trip; oh, he loved the grandchildren so much! He especially appreciated the back rubs given by his daughter whenever they were together. He enjoyed many trips over the years traveling each fall and spring with a group of friends known as The Drifters that met on a Valentine’s Day while on a Royal Caribbean trip through the Panama Canal.

A Celebration of life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 617 N. Elm Street in Greensboro on Tuesday, February 8 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Sadye Bowles Fund at First Presbyterian Church, American Red Cross or the Benevolent Fund at Well-Spring at 4100 Well Spring Drive Greensboro, NC 27410.