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January 18, 1949 – April 3, 2025

Anthony Loring Russ, 76, of Fairfield NC passed away peacefully at his home Thursday April 3, 2025, after a three year battle with lung cancer. During that time he participated in multiple clinical trials at Duke University Cancer Center as one of his last contributions to our society. Anthony was the son of the late Howard and Joanna Paul Russ.

Anthony was a graduate of Pantego High School class of 1967. After graduation he attended Beaufort Community College where he received his Electrical degree and began working at Texas Gulf. In 1973 Anthony started Coastal Electric Contracting Company which he owned and operated for the past 52 years. Anthony had a servant’s heart and enjoyed helping his customers and community in their time of need. He took pride in his work and was always willing to take the call; day or night, rain or shine, through hurricanes and frigid winter weather.

As a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, he served on the vestry.

When Anthony wasn’t working he was spending time with his family. Always supporting his children at their extracurricular activities and especially enjoyed watching them excel at their academics and sporting events. His favorite hobby was attending NASCAR races and cheering on “The Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt, later in life he would spend his Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR and barbecuing chicken. He found great pleasure in traveling and taking his family on fun-filled and educational vacations, watching collegiate sports and offshore fishing. He and his son, Nick, have worked alongside one another for the past 25 years and enjoyed hunting the badlands of South Dakota together. Anthony was influential in establishing Fairfield’s first rescue squad and fire department. He could best be described as the heartbeat of America; a lover of Chevrolets, fine foods, and country music.

Anthony married his wife of 43 years Janet Sears Russ April 18, 1981. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Nicholas Russ (Gabrielle) of Fairfield and a daughter Marianna Russ of Greenville. Two grandchildren; Libby Russ and Turner Russ. Sisters-in-law Marie Russ of Pantego, Mary Armstrong and Marlis Smith both of Fairfield. A brother-in-law Charles Sears (Debbie) of Kernersville, many special nieces, nephews and his beloved yellow lab “Skeet.”

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Melville Russ, Jimmy Russ and sister Paula Amos. His father and mother in-law Daniel W. and Mari Belle Gibbs Sears. Sisters-in-law Amanda Schmitt, Sara Spencer Meekins, and Marie Barnhill. Brothers-in-law Daniel W. Sears Jr., Bobby Schmitt, Nathan Sears, Erwin Smith, Leamon Barnhill, and Jerry Armstrong.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Steve Lee, Kenneth Neal, Kirby Ballance, Kane Cox, and Ramon Mendoza.

The family would like to thank Ramon Mendoza, Debbie Cahoon and Elizabeth Mullet for the care they provided and the medical staff of Duke University and Outer Banks Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday April 14, 2025, at the Fairfield Methodist Church, with Rev. Anne Dale, Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the family plot at the Fairfield Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Anthony’s honor to the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 133, Fairfield, NC 27826.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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