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Obituary For Gabriel Russell
Gabriel Stacy Russell October 16, 1947 – November 15, 2020
Despite his innate warrior spirit, Gabriel Stacy Russell, age 73, has lost a hard fought battle with renal cell carcinoma. He transitioned to be with the ancestors on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Duke Hock Family Pavilion surrounded by his loving family. Gabe, as he was professionally known, and Stacy, if you really, really knew him, leaves behind countless heavy hearts and an unfillable void in the lives of all that had the privilege to be touched by his spirit.
Gabe was the fourth child of the late Junius Byron and Elizabeth Russell. He grew up in a loving family of six children on his family’s farm in the Axtell Community of Warren County, NC. Through his family's long standing investment in the land, Gabe, at an early age developed an affinity and appreciation for hard work. Gabe often said: “There’s only one way to spell work…Let’s go, we’re burning daylight”. Moreover, though often looked for by his two sons, Gabe didn’t possess a lazy bone in his entire body.
As a child, Gabe’s beloved mother worked to instill in him a Christian heart and a love and empathy for his fellow man. His motivating father helped to foster in him an insatiable work ethic and a high aptitude for ingenuity. Through his experiences on the farm he learned to respect and love the land. Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, Gabe became an avid member of the 4-H Clubs of America, ingraining in him early on the notion of “learning by doing.” Gabe attended John R. Hawkins High School. It was here he first began to develop the necessary skills of a craftsman. He excelled in industrial arts, specifically brick masonry, becoming the first North Carolina State President for the Vocational Clubs of America (V.I.C.A.).
It was during these formative high school years, under the tutelage of his Uncle Joseph Richardson and brick masonry instructor, Mr. W.E. Exum, that Gabe acquired the skills of a Mastermason. With an independent spirit, even before graduation, Gabe embarked on his career in masonry and construction, stealing away from the farm without permission, to apply his trade far from home in Lakewood, New Jersey, returning just in time for graduation. He had found his passion and his course was plotted. As an operative and speculative mason, Gabe applied his trade as well as lived his life by three simple rules: by being Plumb, Level and Straightedge in all of his endeavors.
Joining his two older brothers in military service, Gabe enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968. Joining the elite cadre of construction battalion sailors better known as “The Fighting Seabees”. During his enlistment with the Seabees he was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Gulf Port, Mississippi and Narragansett, Rhode Island. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Gabe later went on to reenlist with the 505th Engineer Battalion of the Army National Guard out of Warrenton, NC where he served honorably as the unit’s weapons armament specialist until he retired with a rank of E- 5 in 1993.
In a uniquely reluctant twist of fate, in 1970, Gabe accepted a teaching position with Granville County Schools as a vocational education teacher. A stipulation for accepting his new position was that upon his upcoming nuptials, his new bride would also be considered for a teaching position in the district as well. Gabe eagerly accepted this new teaching position knowing that he would be among one of the first Black educators to integrate the faculty at J. F. Webb High School.
It was during his tenure at J. F. Webb High School that Gabe was truly able to allow the seeds he’d sown throughout his life, to grow, and manifest themselves in the lives of others, specifically in the lives of his students. He was a firm believer in the proverb: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. He saw how far his trade had taken him and wanted to share that path with others. Not only was Gabe a Master mason, but he was also a master teacher who cared deeply for all of the “boys” that came through his program, who hopefully learned, it was much more important to put something inside their heads rather than putting something on it. One of Gabe’s final admonishments to many of his former students whose lives were touched or impacted by him, would be to simply pay that gratitude forward, by uplifting some other young person in their lives the same way he had done for them. Keeping in mind, Gabe always had a soft spot for that D or C student. He believed that if given the opportunity and a little extra love and support, that student could go on to achieve great things, just ask some of his “boys” he put to work in the industry over the years.
Mr. Russell’s philosophy for life, often seeped into his classroom discussions. He was an ardent champion of Booker T. Washington’s notion of self-help and racial solidarity. He could often be heard quoting James Brown: “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing (Open up the door, I’ll get it myself)”. Mr. Russell was a pragmatic and direct educator who expected excellence from everyone who took his class. A quote that should resonate with many of his former students, “You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t son!
One of the only benefits of Gabe’s year long bout with cancer was that his death was not a surprise to him or his family. He had time to put his house in order. As Gabe would say, he had time to make a plan. Gabe had a chance to reconcile with his ultimate demise and find peace and “a little bit of comfort.” He likened life to a great big game of dodgeball...You can run, duck, and dodge but eventually somethings going to get you in the end. But please don’t misunderstand, Gabe was also a fighter, known to do the Ali Shuffle in times of jubilation. And despite the beating cancer gave him, Gabe’s head was bloody but remained unbowed...He went down swinging.
Many close friends and family may be shocked by his sudden passing and the discretion with which he shared the details of his illness. However, if you truly knew Gabe and understood how he loathed pity his rationale is all too clear. One of Gabe’s favorite lines: “If you see me in a fight with a bear...Help the bear.”
The only thing stronger than Gabe’s work ethic would be the commitment and love he had for his wife and two sons. On November 25, 1971, Gabe married the love of his life for the last 50 years, Judy Perry. From that union, two loving sons were born, Ryan and Nolan who will serve as their father’s living resurrection, constantly building on the lessons taught by their Dad, consequently, Gabe’s essence will never die. The abiding love created by Judy and Stacy now serves as the rock that the entire family clings to as the storms of life are raging.
In addition to his nuclear family, Gabe also leaves to cherish his memory, five siblings (two brothers and 3 sisters), two aunts and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and countless colleagues and friends. “To everything there is a season A time for every purpose under Heaven A time to be born and a time to die...”
So Long
**The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC in Gabe's name.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceMrs. Russell I'm sorry to here about your loss y'all was such a beautiful couple. I will keep you in my prayers. Valencia Knight
My heart is broken for Judy and the family. I will always remember the fun time we had on the Cruise together. He was a wonderful person. Marcia Carpenter
I am truly sorry to hear that Gabe has passed. I worked with him at Webb, where I was the band director. Talking with Gabe was a joy. I was fortunate to have him bring out his boys and work at my house. That's where I got to see the master teacher at work. I learned much from that and other experiences from Gabe. He did leave a legacy for many to follow.
J. F. Webb Class of 87. A Legend brick mason and teacher gone to soon. Anthony McMannen
Gabe and I were in the navy together. We went through boot camp in Mississippi then assigned to MCB6 in Davisville RI . After our return from our tour in Puerto Rico we rented a house off base together. I had a car there that he would use whenever I flew home to Buffalo. After one of my trips he picked me up at the airport with some bandages and his cheek packed full of something. He told me he smashed up the car! He never did he just wanted to see my reaction. I wasn't amused as I remember. That was 50 years ago! Only saw Gabe once more after that when he visited me in NJ. We talked on the phone on occasion. Wish now it had been more often. I called him Russell he called me baum. Our last names that were on our navy uniforms. He always wanted a Pontiac Grand Prix. I don't know if he ever got one. Rest In Peace old man.
Phyllis Green. (Your 3rd grade student)
What a wonderful friend. I loved his advice. He will ask questions before his wisdom was shared. My children and I have always been welcomed by Gabe and Judy who was my 3rd grade teacher and now I am 58. I remember the kisses every morning when he brought my loving teacher to school in the bug. They showed me love in the 70's and the millennium. We even shared church life. Basically I will always cherish the love, friendship, advice, laughter and my Welcoming pop up visits. Judy, Ryan and Nolan: you are as beautiful and I love you all and here for you. Gabe aka Stacy laid a brick path for us to follow. Thank you for sharing your loved one with me and my family
It was a privilege and joy having Gabe Russell as a Co-worker while at J.F. Webb High School. He was quite resourceful and always such a friendly person. In addition to being a Co-worker, I learned that he knew the majority of my family, so he also felt like family to me. We both lived in Durham, only about 2 miles apart. In inclement weather or if I had car trouble, I could count on "Russell" to hop a ride to work. When Ryan (and I think Nolan too) enrolled in my class, I met his wonderful wife, Judy. Now they all really seemed like family. Ryan and Nolan were two of the most well raised, polite kids I'd ever taught. After leaving J.F. Webb for a teaching position in Durham, I continued to stay in touch with the Russell family. Dropping by their home to chat and touch base, "Russell" always gave me news of former co-workers and friends from Webb High School. He and Judy were always so cordial on my visits with them. Of course, Russell would keep me abreast of the latest on Ryan and Nolan. I'll really miss seeing Gabe Russell out in his yard and just swinging by to have those pleasant chats.
Lawanda Lawson Laventure
Stacy and I go way back to our Sunday school and church days at Coley Springs Baptist Church, and to John R. Hawkins High School in Warrenton. I teased him about trying to learn the "Fox Trot" in 7th grade gym class (he had two left feet) and he helped me to stay in the band in 8th grade (I was the worst clarinet player) by seeing to it that I got to important practices. He always kept everybody laughing on the school bus rides to and from school. Stacy was a real cut-up! Stacy chose his perfect life partner when he married Judy Perry, a comedian in her own rights! She and I were very close friends in high school and she was a bride's maid at my wedding. Judy, Stacy, Mel and I all remained intermitant friends over the years as we busily raised our families, took care of aging parents, and kept up with the demands of family and careers. After retirement, Stacy built Ravenhill, a special retreat where he and Judy spent many memorable times together and entertained friends such as Mel and myself. I shall always cherish our visit together in their (little piece of heaven an earth!)
I always looked forward to Judy's annual Christmas letter where she kept family and friends abreast of the year's activities and special times in the life of her closeknit family; but most especially in the life she shared with her beloved Stacy! After telling us about some special, unique thing that Stacy had done with or for her, Judy always ended her letter with "I think I'll keep him!"
The last time that I saw Stacy was Feb. 2nd 2020 when he and Judy came to Charlotte to Mel's and my 50th Wedding Anniversary. We had a lovely time visiting and joking around! Near the end of the reception and in tears, Judy told me about Stacy's health in a private moment in the ladies room. Then she left the room to prepare with Stacy to leave our party.
As the two of them were descending the steps of Duke Mansion, I ran to the top of the steps and called out with a wave "bye Stacy"! He turned, looked up at me with a slight grin and threw up his hand as he said "see you later, girlfriend!"
Somehow, I knew that this was the last time I would see Stacy; my church friend in Christ, my school mate, my homeboy and a gem from my youth! May you rest in God's eternal love and peace, Stacy.
Now, to you Judy, my dear, dear friend, as you yourself once said, you "have had this blessed life" with a wonderful man who loved you and your two magnificent sons; Ryan and Nolan! Raised by a mother who taught him to know and to love God, Stacy is now at home and at peace with Him! I feel that Stacy left as assured as I am, that God will never leave you alone. He will always send someone to comfort you! If I can be a listening ear or a helping hand in any way, "all you got to do is call"your classmate, your friend, your sister in Christ,
Yvonne Taylor Stancil
I just found out Stacey passed this evening when contacted by Emily. The last time I saw Stacy approx 2 years ago was in the parking lot of Bed, Bath and Beyond near his home. We exchanged pleasantries and I introduced him my companion a family member. I then noticed he was traveling by motorcycle. I said (and I quote): Ain't you too old to be riding a motorcycle?!?! He replied: Watch me as I ride away from you and make up your own mind. HA!!! Hilarious and Always consistent. Jerry W Sneed
What a great guy he most surely will be missed and my love to the family
I will always remember back in the day Mr. Russell pulling up to Ryan's house early on Saturday mornings and the two of them riding off on their Harley's wearing their leather jackets or calling Ryan, and him saying "Hey, babe. I'm with my dad." I'll miss riding pass his home seeing him mowing the lawn. Most imporrantly, I will remember the love and respect he had for Mrs. Russell and the awesome job he did raising his sons by loving them equally but honoring their differences. Rest in peace Mr. Stacey Russell. May God bless Ryan, Nolan,and Mrs. Russell and give them comfort and peace beyond understanding during this trying time.
It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Gabe at Webb High School for many years. He always left me with a smile. May God's blessings always be with the family he loved so much. Jewel B. Hawkins
Mr. Russell was a great teacher and co-worker. Many young men in our community owe their ability to earn a good living to the skills he taught them in his classroom. He loved to laugh and was quite a practical joker. My sincerest condolences are extended to Judy, Ryan, Nolan, Emily, Thomas, William and the entire family. Juanita Hargrove Cozart
Judy, Nolan, and Ryan, I am very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Gabe at Webb High School (where I taught English). He was good-natured, jolly, and wise. He was a valued resource to me, and it was through him that I was able to get my driveway paved when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. He always spoke affectionately of his family, and it was always a joy to encounter him around town. The last time was outside of the Carolina Theater. Find comfort and strength in each other and the fond memories you share. Iris Allen
I am at a loss for words. Mr. Russell touched so many lives during his career as a masonry teacher at J.F. Webb High School. As a fellow teacher, I would go to him for words of wisdom and for a good laugh. I am so honored to have so many fond memories of Gabe. I wound always tell him how he impacted my wife and I with some of the most important choices we have ever made in our lives. We love you and will miss you. Stay strong Nolan and Ryan.
Thanks for being a part of our lives,
Brantley and Teresa Murphy As Gabe would say "Mr. Murphries"
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
