Russell L. "Big Rusty" Ward, Jr.

WARD, Jr., Russell L. “Big Rusty”- 71 of Richmond, VA gained his heavenly wings on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Russell Ward, Sr.; sister, Beverly Vaughan; and mother-in-law, Barbara Greene. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Francine Ward; three children, Rodric Ward (LaCoya), Russell Ward III (Rachel), and Chelsea Ward (Amy); a granddaughter, Remi Ward; sisters-in-law, Angela Greene and Cheryl Carter (Jerald); brothers-in-law, Barry and George Greene; nephew, Jamar Greene; niece, Tameka Vaughan Dorsey; great nieces, Cydni and Chloe Dorsey; cousin, Angela King Pugh and many other relatives and friends. Rusty graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond where he enjoyed playing football. He retired from Philip Morris after 33 years of faithful service. He loved fixing things and teaching others how to fix things as well. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, trying new foods, reading, and raising his dogs. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always quick with a smart comeback. He was a hard worker and enjoyed working in his yard. Rusty was known to keep Amazon in business because he would have packages delivered almost every day. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, VA 23111, with a memorial service to follow at 2 pm. A reception will be held immediately after the service in the funeral home lounge. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

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