Russell Burson, Jr.

Waynesville. Russell Nettles Burson, Jr., age 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at his home. A native of Selma, Alabama, he was the son of the late Russell Nettles and Margaret Beveridge Burson. After graduating from Auburn University, he went on to receive his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University. Russell served a church in Russellville, KY before transferring to the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. There he served churches in Jonesville, Cold Springs - Concord, Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Charlotte followed by churches in Conover, Milford Hills - Salisbury, Spruce Pine, Cullowhee and Skyland. After an early retirement in 1979, he and his wife Margaret purchased Hallcrest Inn in Waynesville which they operated until 1992. This ministry offered a peaceful , restorative and enjoyable haven for their guests. Russell so enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an active member of the Waynesville Kiwanis Club, serving one term as the club's President, and also delivered for Meals on Wheels for a number of years. Russell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Wade Burson; his children John W. Burson and husband Ken Wall of Stuart, FL, Catherine B. Mitchell and husband David of Charlotte and Martin S. Burson and wife Teresa of Waynesville; grandchildren Michael R. Burson and wife Hayley of Charlotte, Lora A. Mitchell of Greensboro and Elizabeth M. Burson of Waynesville; brothers Bruce B. Burson and wife Jeanne of Prattville, AL and Stuart A. Burson and wife Shirley of Autaugaville, AL. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville at 2:00PM on Saturday, May 2, 2015 with the Reverend Sanford L. Giles officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following at the church. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staffs of Davita Dialysis Center and Smokey Mountain Rehabilitation for their genuine care and support of Russell. Memorials may be made to "The Way Scholarship", c/o First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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