Russell Eugene Foster, 68, of Byron passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side Friday, January 13, 2017. Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of FairHaven Funeral Home, 4989 Mount Pleasant Church Rd, Macon with the Reverend Terry Hendrix officiating. Immediately following the service Russell will be laid to rest in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens with military honors. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Born on August 5, 1948, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Burnette Foster and Opal Witt Bentley Russell joined the United States Army at the age of 18 shortly before completion of high school. It was during his time in the service that he fought valiantly during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam Russell was wounded as a result of his wounds and bravery he was the recipient of several medals including three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Duty Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The national Defense Medal, two Presidential Unit Citation Medals and a Republic of Vietnam Cross for Gallantry. Russell volunteered for another tour of duty in Vietnam to prevent his younger brother from being sent to Vietnam, making a grand total of 18 months served in the heart of combat. After his time in the service, Russell met Ellen, who would later become the love of his life and future wife. The couple married in 1985 and raised a beautiful daughter together. Some of Russell's favorite hobbies included hunting and fishing. He loved sports, especially football, NASCAR, and wrestling. Above everything Russel enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his sweet granddaughters, and his fur babies, Skoobie and Oscar.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents as well as one sister.
Left to cherish his memory is his adoring family; Wife; Ellen Potts Foster. Daughter; Casey Foster Cochran (John), Grandchildren; Raelynn and Baleigh Cochran. Six siblings; Dennis Brown, David Brown (Jennifer), Ed Foster (Freeda), Victor Foster, Jimmy Ray Foster (Nancy) and Shirley Williams. In Laws; Peggy and Harley Martin as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may sign the online register at www.fairhavenmacon.com
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has charge of arrangements.