John Russell North, Sr.

Following an extended illness, John Russell North, Sr. 76, passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Florida, surrounded by loving family, on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Russell was born on January 5, 1942, in Lake City, Florida. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1960 and while in high school he joined the U.S. Navy Reserves and served from 1959-1961 on the U.S.S Kitty Hawk.  He met his wife and the love of his life, Jean Bullard North, whom he married on June 21, 1962. 

He worked for W.K Daughtery Engineering Firm, where he was employed for 13 years.  He became a General Contractor and founded Russell North Construction, which he ran for 40+ years.  Russell North designed and constructed several beautiful custom homes and commercial buildings within the Lake City and North Florida area.  In 1984, Russell North was awarded Best Commercial Building of the year by Ceco-Mitchell Building Systems for the construction of an automobile dealership, Power’s Service in Lake City, Florida. He received this top honor out of 500 other builders.  In addition, he was honored by Ceco in 1988 for reaching $1-million in cumulative sales volume.

Russell was a member of First United Methodist Church and a member of the Rotary Club.  He served on the Columbia County of Commissioners Planning and Zoning Board for several years.  He enjoyed watching football and cheering on the Florida Gators.  He enjoyed cooking and eating a good meal, Italian food was a favorite.  He loved projects  like gardening and building furniture.  His greatest achievement to him, was raising a loving family.  He enjoyed vacationing with them every summer to the beach and spending time with them in the Smoky Mountains. 

Predeceased by his mother, Dell Thomas North, and his father, John Roy North, Russell is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jean Bullard North; his daughter Debbie North Milton (Jay); his son Rusty North, and daughter Marissa North Adamson (Mark). He is additionally survived by his dear grandchildren, Jessie Milton Friar (Brock), Alex Milton, Annie Milton, Jack Adamson and Josie Adamson. He is also survived by his sister Betty Spradley (Shuffield) and his brother Emerson North (Cindy).

Funeral service of Mr. North will be conducted at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 17, 2018 at First Methodist Church Lake City with Rev. Don Hembree officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Church fellowship hall. Private family Interment will follow at Corinth Cemetery. Visitation with the family and friends will be held from 6:00- 8:00pm, Friday, February 16, 2018 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, Fl., 32025, (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of love and comfort t for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice or the First United Methodist Church.

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