Thursday, June 11, 2026 3:25 pm

David Phillip Russell, 74, of Marvin, North Carolina, passed away on May 31, 2026. Born on August 3, 1951, in Morganton, North Carolina, David lived a life marked by warmth, courage, and an unwavering faith that touched everyone who knew him.

David attended Virginia Episcopal School before heading to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Class of 1974. It was during his college years that he met Patty, and the two married in 1978. They settled in his hometown of Morganton, where David opened Russell's Sporting Goods Store, welcomed their daughter, Julie, and enjoyed life surrounded by family and friends. Those were cherished years.

In 1983, the family moved to Charlotte and joined Calvary Church, where David rededicated his life to Christ during a morning service led by Pastor Ross Rhoads. Over the years, David enjoyed a varied career spanning apparel sales, retail, insurance, and manufacturing, ultimately serving as a Production Plant Manager at IPC Corporation.

David had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his kindness, generosity, and big heart. He was a comforting presence and a genuinely good listener. He grew up hunting, fishing, and playing golf, and he loved reading, traveling, and bluegrass music. Later in life, he found great joy playing couples bridge with "The Bridge Friends for Life Club."

In 2009, David was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, beginning a long health journey that included a double lung transplant, kidney failure, and cancer. Through it all, he fought bravely and without complaint. David became an Ambassador for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, a volunteer with LifeShare of the Carolinas and the Red Cross, and a cofounder of the Next Breath Support Group. He was also a devoted member of Calvary Church, the Faithbuilders ALG, and the Men's Prayer Group.

Through every trial, David leaned on his faith and totally surrendered to God's will. He knew God had numbered his days, and he strived to be faithful and to glorify his Savior. His family is deeply grateful to the friends, family, and church body who ministered to David and Patty during his time of illness. Jesus is stepping in for David now, and we are reminded that love is forever.

David is preceded in death by his parents Claude Phillip Russell and Katherine Caroline Coate Russell. He is survived by his wife Patty Russell; daughter Julie Anne Russell; his sisters Susan Russell Denniston and Sandra Russell Hartnett; John Hartnett, brother-in-law; Rob and Joan Means, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Ernie and Clara Spangler, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Carol Henry, sister-in-law; 5 nephews, 4 nieces, 2 Goddaughters, cousins, and many dear friends who became family.

David's Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the Chapel of Calvary Church, located at 5801 Pineville Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jason Ray Foundation of UNC Hospital Comprehensive Transplant Center's Foundation, LifeShare of the Carolinas, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Calvary Church, or a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.