Russell Britton Elder

Spartanburg, SC- Russell Britton Elder, Jr., 91, husband of the late Estha Ruth Washam Elder, died Saturday, September 16, 2017. Born May 24, 1926 in Albemarle, NC, Russell was a son of the late Russell Britton Elder, Sr. and Mamie Ela Killian Elder. Entering the Navy at the age of 17, he honorably served his country during WWII in the South Pacific Theatre including Leyte Gulf, Marianas Campaign, Solomon Islands, and Tinian.  After the war, Russ returned and went on to receive degrees from Furman University and later a post-graduate degree from Dartmouth. He worked as a credit manager for Kendall Textiles in Charlotte, NC and for Reeves Brothers Textiles in Spartanburg, SC. He was a loving husband to his wife, Estha for 60 years before her death in 2007. Russ was a devoted father to his three sons, as well as a mentor and confidante to countless young people who grew to love him for his kind, gentle demeanor and insightful words of wisdom. He was intelligent, outgoing, and friendly. There was always time to chat with an old friend or to make a new friend wherever he went. A man of deep faith, he served as an Elder in both Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC. Russ will be remembered by many as a true example of the joy and blessings of an honorable and decent life. Always willing to help those in need, he devoted many hours to help the church and community. No matter what the problem was, he would simply smile and say “Don’t fuss, call Russ.” Mr. Elder is survived by his son, Frank Stanhope Elder, his wife, Elizabeth Yow Elder, and their children, David Stanhope Elder, Brian Matthew Elder, and Jonathan Britton Elder, all of Raleigh, NC; a son, John Sherrill Elder, his wife, Amanda Mitchell Elder, and their children, Thomas Britton Elder and John Andrews Elder all of Houston, TX. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Mr. Elder was predeceased by a son, Russell Britton Elder, III. A memorial service will be Saturday, September 23rd, 11:00AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, officiated by Reverend Dale Rawlings. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will be held in Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Cornelius, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307.