The family of Kent Easter Russ lost their patriarch, and the greatest role model anyone could ever ask for on Monday morning, July 17th, 2023.

The son of Woodrow and Hester Russ took his last breath peacefully, near his home in Shelby, NC, surrounded by loved ones.

To say that Kent was selfless doesn't begin to explain his love and compassion for others. The father of three, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of three, put God and his faith first, his family second, others third, and himself last. He was the epitome of both a gentleman and a good Samaritan.

Kent was an integral part of the membership at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School for nearly fifty years, was a deacon, and chaired the finance committee. Kent loved his church and his church family deeply. Along with those he taught and led at church, Kent coached hundreds of young men in baseball and football, and was constantly greeted by those in the Shelby area that he had impacted with open arms and a smile until his final days.

Kent was committed to anything he put his mind to. He was an accomplished baseball, basketball and football player in Hamlet, NC where he grew up with his sister Shirlee and brother Bert. He worked hard from an early age, earning the distinction of Eagle Scout as a teen. Kent always enjoyed being active, later developing a love for the game of golf and for being a part of the community at the Cleveland County YMCA. Most importantly, though, he was dedicated to the love of his life, and wife of sixty-seven years, Ann. Together they raised their three boys to become incredible men, husbands, fathers, uncles, friends and members of their communities. Of all Kent's accomplishments, there's no doubt that this was the one he was most proud of.

Ann and the rest of Kent's family and loved ones cherish every moment they were lucky enough to spend with the man they believed could do anything. Because he could.

Kent is survived by Ann, his three sons and daughters-in-law, Garry and Penny of Winston-Salem, NC, Dennis and Tami of Kernersville, NC, and Kelly and Lori of Kannapolis, NC; his six grandchildren, Zack (and Annie) Russ of Boone, NC, Luke (and Eliza) Russ of Raleigh, NC, Brice (and Hadley) Russ of Huntsville, AL, Leah (and Brandon) Shannonhouse of Apex, NC, Savannah (and fiancé Dylan Grindstaff) Russ of Denver, NC, and Carly Russ of Charlotte, NC; and his three great-grandchildren, Max and Hudson Shannonhouse of Apex, NC, and Kent Russ of Raleigh, NC.

To honor and celebrate Kent's life a visitation will be held in the sanctuary of Poplar Springs Baptist Church Saturday, July 22nd from 11:30 AM to 12:50 PM, followed by a service at 1:00pm. Burial will be held in the Church Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Poplar Springs Baptist Church Building Fund & Brotherhood Ministries, both were a cause that Kent was passionate about.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Online condolences may be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

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