Russell Thomas Faulks

Russell Thomas Faulks was the third child of nine children, born to the Late James, Sr. and Sallie Faulks on April 12, 1946, in Portsmouth, VA. At a young age, he started working at a local country club, waiting tables. Russell was educated through the Virginia school system and attended Norfolk State while working various jobs alongside his father until he was nineteen years old. In 1965, he relocated to Staten Island, New York to begin employment with the largest retail store in NYC, called “Majors” in the shoe department.

Russell was quickly recognized for his charm, and offered a salesman’s position at the prestigious and former shoe chain, Thom McAnn in Port Richmond’s first plaza. Russell then shifted careers and joined Procter and Gamble, where he worked for over 17 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed being part of the men’s softball league, for the Parliament club in Port Richmond, and also earned membership to the brotherhood of Masons.

During this time, Russell established family roots and had three children, Russell, Joshua and Nicole. He was also father figure to their siblings, and gave many great memories. Russell returned to his native roots as a Virginian in 1986, where he began his longstanding career and retired from Hoechst Celanese Chemical. Some friends called him Russ, and some called him “Faulk-man”, which was a name he gained as a football player for the Norcom Greyhound local team. He was also recognized for his dynamic smile and his cool swagger. He loved dressing in his stylish suits, wearing his hats, and being flamboyant.

He was known for making a presence, he was truly the original “L.L.” – Little & Loud. He was a lover of profanity. Even after Russell’s long struggle with his health, he continued to maintain his boastful character. He found clever ways to verbalize how he was still the “alpha-male”.

Russell leaves behind many memories, he loved to laugh, loved being in control, loved voicing his opinion and thought saying everything loudly, made it factual and right! Russell became weary and actually left quietly, on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 4:05am at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Russell is predeceased in death by his parents, and brothers James Jr. and Clarence, and his sister Jackie. He will be remembered and leaves to cherish his memory with his loving siblings: Charles Faulks, Gwendolyn Johnson, Diane Grant, Natalie Jackson (Carl Jackson), and Melvina Lewis; along with his sons, Russell Ferran and Joshua McKinney, his daughter; Nicole Faulks; their siblings, Donna Walker, Yvonne Ferran, Michael Ferran, and Michael McKinney; his grandchildren, Joshua McKinney Jr., Aniyah, Faulks, Dontario Herron and Anthony McKinney, along with a host of nieces, nephews, many dear relatives and friends. He leaves behind many sharp memories. One that stands tallest of many was how many learned that “He was no Sippy-Tippy! May he rest in comfort and peace!

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