Harvey Daniel Russ, 84, of Hickory, N.C., formerly of Whiteville, passed away peacefully with a smile on his face on May 1, 2025. Born on Nov. 22, 1940 in Shallotte, N.C., he was a devoted husband to JoAnn and a loving father to Meg, Amy, Heather and Nikki.
Harvey believed in God and demonstrated his faith through his words and actions.
He left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. His uplifting spirit, generous gestures and sunny disposition endeared him to people from all walks of life. Quick with a humorous story or kind word, he had a gift for making others laugh, smile and just feel better. He never forgot those who helped him along the way and was committed to doing the same for others. Mere hours before his passing, he reminded his family to “Be kind always” and “Lift up those in need”.
After graduating from Shallotte High School in 1959, Harvey first attended Wilmington College and then East Carolina Teachers College, where he graduated in 1963. He began his teaching and coaching career in Farmville before moving to Whiteville in 1965 to teach U.S. history and coach basketball at Whiteville High School.
As head varsity coach, Harvey led two of his teams to the North Carolina 2-A State Championship finals, winning in 1969 and earning second place in 1970. After being named the Waccamaw Conference Coach of the Year, he retired from coaching with a record of 154 victories against 45 losses.
In 1971, Harvey left teaching and became an insurance salesman, opening Waccamaw Insurance Agency in Whiteville. He quickly became a top salesman, winning numerous sales awards from American Defender Life Insurance Co. In an effort to balance work and family, in 1976 Harvey returned to education working for the Columbus County Schools. He directed the county’s newly implemented Extended Day Program. It was during these years that he applied and trained for a McDonald’s franchise.
In 1980, Harvey and JoAnn bought their first McDonald’s in Madison, N.C. Through the years, they expanded their business by purchasing additional McDonald’s, first in Danville, Va., then in Reidsville, King and Eden. Although Harvey officially retired from McDonald’s in 2000, he always stayed connected to McDonald’s through his daughters who followed him into the McDonald’s business.
Harvey’s retirement years revolved around his three main loves: His love for God, his love for family, and his love for playing golf. With the exception of the last few years when he reluctantly had to discontinue playing, one could find him on a golf course 300-plus days each year. During his many years of play, he won too many tournaments to count, made numerous holes-in-one and more importantly, developed lots of close and lasting friendships.
Harvey is survived by his wife of 50 years, JoAnn Wright Russ; his daughters Meg Holler (Roy) of Roxboro, Amy Alberts (Matt) of Madison, Heather Joyner (Patrick) of Hickory, and Nikki Waring (Josh) of Ocala, Fla.; as well as 14 grandchildren and four soon to be five great-grandchildren. He also leaves many other loving family members and close friends who will sadly miss him.
Harvey is preceded in death by his first wife of 12 years, Kay Burns Russ; his parents Daniel Clarence and Gladys Milligan Russ; his older brother Clarence Michael Russ and wife Mary Ruth; and his younger sister Gloria Russ Bland and husband Harold.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 31, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Madison, 110 S. Franklin St., Madison, N.C. 27025 followed by a scattering of ashes ceremony and celebration of life reception at Deep Springs Country Club, 160 Country Club Dr., Stoneville, N.C. 27048. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad (RMHCPT) at 419 Hawthorne Rd., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the Russ family.
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