Mr. Vinnie Fred Russell, 69, of Greenbush, passed away on Dec. 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Fred was born Jan. 21, 1955, to the late Franklin Ayres Russell and Alice Fox Russell.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Surran Russell, and his daughters, who were his most loved and closest to his heart; Deedra Margaret Ervin and Andrea Surran Russell; as well as his best friend and brother, Frank Russell, and his beloved sister-in-law, Debbie; his beloved niece, Brittany R. Lewis and her husband, Cullen; and Fred’s newest beautiful great-niece, Alice Lewis. Also left to cherish his memory are close friends, Maugie and John Fecteau; and Fred’s spectacular companions, Sully, Betty, Pepper, Momma, Koodles, and Violet.
Fred was one of the last of his kind, a man’s man who was not ashamed to show it. He really epitomized the idea that a man works hard, protects his family, gives back to his community, and always, always tells the truth. A man of few words, he was the one in the background, holding things together, the calm in the storm when things went sideways. His strong, gentle demeanor was such an example to others, and he was admired and respected by everyone he met.
Fred and Frank have spent virtually every single day of their lives together, working at their shop, Paddock Auto in Parksley, for decades, riding motorcycles, and traveling all over with their friends to all the rallies and events far and wide, or just riding the back roads of the Eastern Shore, which he loved.
Fred was very much the automobile enthusiast, and his encyclopedic knowledge of all things cars, foreign, domestic, classics, and new, was amazing. He was a proud member of the Aston Martin Owners Club. He enjoyed going to car shows, playing poker, and collecting wooden boats to “work on.” He loved tinkering and always had some project in the works.
The love of Fred’s life was his wife, Linda, who turned his world upside down from the second they met, and they enjoyed their life together for the past 22 years. Even though they faced ups and downs, extreme obstacles, and Fred’s cancer battles head on, the fight only made them stronger, invincible, and more in love and committed to each other with every passing day.
His daughters Deej and Anj were the apples of his eyes, and there was not one thing he would never do for them. They got what they wanted at all times. He was completely and unashamedly wrapped around their fingers, and there was nowhere else on this Earth he would have rather been than with his girls.
Another great love Fred had was for his niece Brittany, and he was also putty in her hands. His weak spot for her never diminished even as she grew up and started a family of her own.
Fred was a proud steward for the Town of Parksley, from organizing and helping during the legendary Parksley Fall and Spring festivals, car shows, the Railroad Museum, or even town yard sales, to helping out with the Volunteer Fire Company’s Christmas parades, Miss Parksley Pageants, Old Fashioned Christmases, all of it. Fred was always ready and willing to give of his time and energy. He was very proud of Parksley.
Fred really enjoyed the friends that came to his shop as well as discussing, debating, and solving all the world’s problems with his coffee buddies every day.
Fred’s suffering is over, and he now is reunited with his deeply beloved mother and father. His life and name will never be forgotten, and he will always be loved and cherished in all of our hearts.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley, on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Mike Barnes officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 14 Parksley, VA 23421, or The Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Parksley.
