Joseph ''Joe'' Russell, 77, of Roanoke Rapids, died Friday, February 6, 2015.

Joe, a native of New York, New York, was the son of the late Wilford Gerald and Anna Marie Parise Russell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Virginia Harris Russell on July 12, 2014, his sister, Agnes Sterns, and his brother, Jerry Russell.

He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He retired from the Army in 1975. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS Post 320 and the American Legion Post 38. He was also retired as a self-employed paint contractor. He loved bowling and hunting.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Debra R. Sanders and her husband, Ricky; three sons, Joseph ''Jay'' Russell, Jr. and his wife, Glenda, Michael Wayne Russell and his wife, Hazel, and Timothy Eugene Russell, all of Roanoke Rapids; thirteen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, Mary Louise Harris of Gaston, Darlene Wolgemuth of Roanoke Rapids; brothers-in-law, Bill Harris and his wife, Kathy, and Danny Harris and his wife, Rose, both of Roanoke Rapids; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Mike Sheppard and ''Bunny'' Shotwell.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Minister Dave Chapman officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7-8:30 at the funeral home and other times at the family home.