funeral director with McLean Funeral Directors, Gastonia, North Carolina, died July 5, 2012, at age 72. Russell was sheriff of Gaston County from 1982-2004 and was a member of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, serving as president from 1990-91. He was a member of Gaston County Law Enforcement Association, a licensed funeral director, a Gaston County Schools employee, a driver’s license examiner and county magistrate. Russell was also a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is survived by sister Diane.