Russell Lee Barnes, Jr.

          Russell Lee Barnes Jr., 73, of Florence, SC, passed away on July 17, 2025. He was born in Florence and grew up in Mullins, SC, the son of the late Russell Lee Barnes, Sr. and Jo (Rogers) Barnes.

          Russ graduated from Mullins High School in 1969 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pulp and Paper Science and Technology from NC State University.

          On June 16, 1974, Russ married Sheila (Houser) Barnes in Lincolnton, NC. Together, they shared over 51 wonderful years of marriage, building a family who will forever cherish their memories of him. He is survived by his beloved wife Sheila; their two children, Edward Barnes (Chapel Hill, NC) and wife Stephanie, and Logan Barnes (Pawleys Island) and wife Meghan; and four grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Charlie, and Annie Barnes.

          Russ dedicated his career to the pulp production industry, holding positions in Riegelwood, New Bern, and Moncure, NC; Franklin, VA; Port Wentworth, GA; and Florence, SC, where he retired from the WestRock Paper Mill in 2015.

          In retirement, Russ became an avid woodworker, finding great joy in crafting pens, bowls, and cutting boards, which he delighted in gifting to family, friends, and even new acquaintances. He loved fishing with his sons and reading historical articles, often sharing his favorite discoveries with his steady supply of 3x5 index cards. His passion for family history led him to study the history of longleaf pines and the turpentine industry and to restore his grandfather’s 1956 Farmall 100 tractor, once used on the family tobacco farm.

          A faithful member of Central United Methodist Church, Russ was active in Sunday School, the Build-a-Bed Ministry, and served as a dedicated advocate for the church’s blood drives.

          Russ bravely battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia for three years. Whether undergoing chemotherapy or receiving blood transfusions, he made it his daily mission to brighten someone else’s day. The family is indebted to an anonymous stem cell donor and the members of the care team at the University of North Carolina for their care of Russ. 

          A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church in Florence. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Services are directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

          In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (www.secufh.org), or to Central United Methodist Church, 265 West Cheves St., Florence, SC 29501.

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