Harold Ray Russell

Mr. Harold Ray Russell passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of November 1, 2023, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice home in Dobson surrounded by his family.  He was 83 years old.  Ray was born in Person County, NC (Roxboro), on November 12, 1939, the son of the late John T. and Ethel Oneida Brown Russell. After graduating from North Carolina State University, Ray started his career in the textile industry with Burlington Industries.  He later worked at Quality Mills, Great American Knitting Mills and Renfro Brands (or Renfro Corp), where he retired as Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing.  Ray’s textile knowledge and expertise was extensive including manufacturing, operations, sales and marketing.  During his career, he traveled frequently both domestically and internationally, becoming well known in the industry leading to many long-lasting business and personal relationships.  Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Airy.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Upchurch Russell; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Matthew Gardner; and brother-in-law, Ernest Eugene Upchurch.  A service of celebration of Ray’s life will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 3:00 in the afternoon at First Baptist Church with Reverend Jay Meadows officiating.  A private interment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery.  A reception will be held following the service for friends and family from 4:00 until 6:00 at Cross Creek Country Club, 945 Greenhill Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Ray will be available for public viewing at Moody Funeral Home of Mount Airy on Friday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy is serving the Russell family.