Jeffrey Russ Foster, Sr

We celebrate the life of Jeffrey Russ Foster, Sr., known to all simply as Russ—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, musician, and friend. Russ passed peacefully on the morning of September 4th at The Laurels of Chatham in Pittsboro, NC, at the age of 78.

Russ was a man of joyful contradictions: stern yet compassionate, punctual yet playful, deeply principled yet endlessly warm. He had a gift for turning any room into a celebration—whether through music, laughter, or the quiet wisdom of a well-timed truth. He believed in the power of words, often saying, "Say what you mean, and mean what you say." And he lived that way, every day.

Born in 1947, Russ served proudly in the U.S. Air Force and later in the Missouri Army National Guard. His life's journey took him from Florida Power & Light to Baptist Bible College, from machine shops to pulpits, and eventually to energy management for the St. Lucie Public Schools. He worked hard, studied deeply, and always found time to lift others—whether through teaching, mentoring, or simply showing up with his guitar in hand.

Music was his heartbeat. Taught by his father, Bob Foster, Russ became a master of the guitar and banjo, playing with a finger-picking style that drew crowds to music shops, nursing homes, bonfires, and family reunions. His calloused fingers told the story of a lifetime spent sharing joy through song. He passed that love of music to his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to sing, play, and lead with heart.

Russ is survived by his second wife, Corinne "Missy" Francis Foster; Marcia Dorman Coffey, mother of his children: "Jeff"rey Russ Foster Jr. and wife KerryAnn Foster, Lori-Ellen Hutchins and husband Sheldon Hutchins, and Jeffrey "Scott" Foster and wife Carla Foster; his grandchildren: Carrie Belle Foster, Jeffrey "Trey" Foster III, Dean Hutchins and wife Virginia Hutchins, Elaina DeDios and husband Moises DeDios, Tom Hutchins and wife Kelvy Hutchins, Lauren Carlson and husband Ricky Carlson, Adeline Seymore and husband Colby Seymore, and Thomas Paige; step-grandson Dustin Woods and step-granddaughter Laken Woods. He is also survived by his sisters Susan Foster and Barbara Foster, and was preceded in death by his brothers Robert "Bob" A Foster and Dennis M. Foster. He is also preceded in death by his father, Robert Cleo Foster, and mother, Colene Mildred Phillips Foster.

To those who knew him, Russ was a steady light in uncertain times—a man who gave of himself selflessly, offered hugs without hesitation, and taught with both conviction and grace. He became a father figure to many, a true compass whose needle never wavered for personal gain.

His legacy is one of music, truth, and unwavering kindness. May we honor him by living with the same joy, integrity, and generosity he gave so freely.

"Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are speaking to before speaking."
—Russ Foster

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hungry For Music: https://hungryformusic.org

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Foster Family.