James Donald Russ "Don", 89, of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on December 5th, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Born in Cleveland County on May 18, 1932, Don attended Waco High School and retired as a Maintenance Technician with Fasco for over 20 years. He was a long-time member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Grover, NC where he served as an Usher and Deacon. Don loved his family, listening to music, singing gospel and country music and spent many hours on his tractor and lawn mower. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur Russ and Nettie Owens Russ, his stepmother Bertha Neill Russ, two brothers, Wilburn Russ and Larry Russ and his sister Lorene Dellinger Harbison.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Opal Thrift Russ, a son, Richard Russ (Vicki), two daughters, Pat Humphries and Susan Brooks (Jim), his brothers, Joe Russ of Charlotte, NC and Wayne Russ (Ann) of Cherryville, NC. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Nicholas Hurdt, Nathan Hurdt, Peyton Humphries, Amanda Locklear, Todd Royster and his great grandchildren; Taylor Royster, Tori Younce, Aubree Locklear, Clint Hurdt, Cooper Hurdt and one great-great grandchild, Karson Younce. The family would like to make a mention of Don and Opal's lifelong friends, Bill and Martha Adair.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Hospice of Cleveland County and Kindred Home Health for their loving care.

Funeral Services will be held on 11:00am Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Grover, NC with Dr. Wade Dellinger and Dr. Cal Robertson officiating. Visitation will be held in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service from 10:00am - 11:00am.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church: 2338 Pleasant Hill Church Rd Shelby, NC 28152

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com