Ronald James Russell

Ronald James Russell

July 6,1935-August 2, 2024

There is a little less music in the world today. Even though he couldn’t play a note on a musical instrument, if you knew Ron, you knew there was always a song on his lips and in his heart. He couldn’t pass you by without a greeting or positive word. Ron passed away peacefully on the morning of August 2, 2024, of natural causes after living a fulfilling life.

Ron was born and raised on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan where he attended Catholic Central High School and worked in his dad’s grocery store.  He was a proud graduate of Aquinas College where he played baseball, but throughout his life you could usually catch him whistling the fight song of his adopted football alma mater, U of Michigan, especially in the presence of OSU or ACC fans. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary (McGovern) and eventually they moved their family to Ohio and then to New Jersey for career opportunities. Ultimately, they settled in Charlotte, NC over 40 years ago. Through all those moves, Ron lived a life where his family, his faith, his work, engaging people in every circumstance of life in which he was involved, and cheering his favorite sports teams, were all an integral part.

Ron’s favorite times were spent in the yard and garden or in telling stories about work or his time serving in the US Army. Audiences could be his children or grandchildren… or anyone who’d listen. He loved to both sing and listen to music and could listen for hours at a time. He was an active member and volunteered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  He loved University of Michigan Football and Detroit Tigers baseball, but Carolina’s Panthers eventually stole his heart from Detroit’s Lions. 

Ron was a career Human Resources professional, specializing in employee and labor relations. He started his career at Spartan Stores In Grand Rapids and held leadership roles at a number of companies including Pfizer, Allied Chemical, Reeves Brothers and he ultimately retired from Freightliner in Cleveland, NC.  Ron was especially proud of his work in leading by positive example, doing the “right” thing and advancing good employee/labor relations relationships between employees of all levels, social groups and races in the industries for which he was responsible. 

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary (McGovern) in 2022. Ron leaves five children, Brian (Niki) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Mark (Sharon) of Louisburg KS, Tim (Yonmi) of Fairfax, VA, Jennifer Horsey (Andy) of Charlotte, NC, and Matt (Sheri) of Huntersville NC;11 Grand Children: Kate (Thomas), John (Liz), Michael (Sarah), Matt, Molly, Stephanie (Brandon), Matthew, Meghan (Colby), Mac, Ben and Kelly and 8 great grandchildren. Ron has numerous nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Mert McGovern, brother Richard Russell and half siblings Scott Russell and Jimmy Russell. Ron was preceded in death by his mother and father Reynelda (Homrich) and James Russell, and sister Patricia (Leo) Antor.

There will be a mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church 1621 Dilworth Rd E, Charlotte, NC at 10 AM on Saturday August 10, 2024. A reception will follow at 11 AM in the family center at the church, and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to St Patrick’s Church, Ron’s parish, or to the Fenty Memorial ROTC Scholarship fund at UNCC. Joe Fenty was a family friend and US Army Officer who was killed in combat in Afghanistan. Go to https://www.charlotte.edu  The donation portal is located on the right side of the screen, “Give to UNC Charlotte”(Make a gift).   Scroll to SEARCH, type FENTY, and follow search results and the instructions.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.