Russell Williams

Russell Thompson Williams, affectionately known as Russ or Rusty, went home to Heaven on August 29, 2024, after an extended battle with health issues.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Asheboro First Assembly of God with Pastor Dave Snyder officiating.

Born on January 16, 1952, in Asheboro, NC, Russ was the son of the late Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Pate and John Richard Williams. Russ graduated from Asheboro High School in 1970, attended UNC for 4 years and spent 2 years in Columbus, OH as a salesman for STP Corp.

In 1977, he felt the Lord calling him to open a Christian Book Store in Lumberton, NC. He and his wife, Debbie, answered that call and served the people of Robeson County and surrounding areas for over 40 years. Russ was a charter member of the Robeson County chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship and served in several positions for over 40 years. After retiring, they returned to Asheboro in 2018.

Russ is survived by his wife Debbie, their son Samuel Williams and wife Krystle, daughter Mary-Elena Preisser and husband Eddie and their grandchildren Isaiah, Isabel and Kaylee. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Vermilya, and brother, Robert Pate Williams, and wife Marty, and many cousins that meant so much to him.