Walter Graham Russ

Walter Graham Russ, 79 of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 17, 2025, at Transitions Lifecare, Raleigh, North Carolina after a long battle with Parkinsons. He was born on January 10, 1946, in Kelly, North Carolina to Cameron and Virginia Russ. Walter grew up in Bladen and Pender Counties. He was an “outdoorsy” kid who loved to play basketball and explore the woods with his siblings and cousins. When he was 13, he sold newspapers on base at Camp LeJeune before going to school and in the summer, he worked in tobacco fields to earn spending money. He graduated from Burgaw High School where he played on the Varsity basketball team and was co-captain. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Wilmington College before entering the Air Force where he was assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska where he served in radar maintenance. He completed his service at Nellis AFB in Indian Springs, Nevada. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Walter moved to Wilmington, North Carolina where he was employed briefly by AT and T. He then began his employment with Carolina Power and Light/Duke Energy Progress where he earned his electrical engineering certification. He retired in 2013 after almost 44 years of service. Walter loved playing and coaching Cary Rec Department basketball for almost 30 years. He coached his children and grandchildren over the years. Walter and Sallie loved the mountains and enjoyed traveling to their cabin in Ashe County. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s he became an active member of Rock Steady Boxing at AKtivate Fitness in Cary. Walter is survived by his wife of almost 31 years Sallie Fulkerson Russ, his daughter, Tracy Russ McKennies (Willie); his son, Walter Graham Russ, Jr. (Ysaura); his stepdaughter, Erin Van Horn. Also surviving him are grandchildren Cassidy, Emma, Austin, Walker and great granddaughter, Josie and his sister Janet Henderson (Larry) and brother, Jerry Russ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cameron and Virginia Russ and his brother, Ray Russ (Patricia). The family will receive friends at Cary Alliance Church on Monday, December 29th, 2025 with visitation from 11-12 and service at noon with Pastor Tom Becker officiating. A private burial at Raleigh Memorial Park will follow at 2:30. The family would like to thank John and Kellie Dullaghan of Senior Helpers of Holly Springs for their wonderful care and concern as Walters Parkinsons advanced. We will especially remember his caregivers, Dulcie Blanche and Simone. Donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Transitions Lifecare, Michael J Fox Foundation or a charity of choice.

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Walter Graham Russ

January 10, 1946 - December 17, 2025