Charles "Charlie" Wilmer Russell

Charles Wilmer “Charlie” Russell, 89, of Lynchburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 after a short illness.  He was the husband of the late Betty Jordan Russell and the son of the late Mary Mignonette Hayden and Benjamin Dawson Russell.  Charlie was born in Washington, DC on August 10, 1926.  He graduated from Holy Cross Academy and Lynchburg College and was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.  Charlie retired from Babcock and Wilcox and was proud to have served his country during World War II.

Charlie is survived by his sister, Dorothy Richeson of Amherst Virginia and his brother, Benjamin Dawson Russell of New Smyrna Beach Florida. He was the beloved Uncle of Melanie Jordan of Fredericksburg Virginia, Penny Conner of Gulf Breeze Florida,  Mary Gayle Ludwig of Leonardtown Maryland, Don Richeson of Harrisonburg Virginia, Sandra Simpson of New Smyrna Beach Florida, and Vickie Lail and Benjamin Dawson Russell III, both of Winston Salem, North Carolina.  He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces.

Charlie was a philosophical, deep thinking man who often stated that curiosity and anticipation kept him going through life. He enjoyed genealogy and family research, and was proud to be a lector at Holy Cross Church. He was a “great debater,” always ready to share his wealth of knowledge gained through his life experiences. He loved to travel and reminisce about the places he visited.  Charlie treasured time spent with family members, his Rhonda Road neighbors and his family at Holy Cross Church. He will be sadly missed by all the many people he touched during his lifetime.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held Wednesday January 27, 2016 at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 12 Noon with Father Jim Gallagher officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.