Mr. Russell Everette Zurface, age 64, a resident of Aurora, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern after a brave battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 3:00pm at Dublin Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Aurora, with Rev. Karen Rice Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 6-8pm at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

Russell was born in Greenville, NC on July 19, 1952, son of the late Russell E. Zurface and the late Mary Louise Harrell Zurface. He was a 1970 graduate of Aurora High School and earned his associate degree at Craven Community College. On October 18, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, June Rice, who still resides in Aurora. Russell was a member of the apprentice program at NADEP Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point in Havelock. He retired from the United States Government following thirty-two years of loyal service. His retirement was due to his battle with cancer. Previously, he was a member of the Holly Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church in Belvoir but attended Dublin Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

Russell enjoyed the simple things in life, such as fishing, skiing, playing ball and relaxing on a beach, but most of all he loved being surrounded by his family. Russell enjoyed throwing large parties. He loved to gather family and friends so he could cook a feast for them. His parties ended with a slew of fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Being in the presence of Russell brought joy to any and all as he continuously laughed a contagious laugh and cracked every joke in his book. Russell’s life was enveloped with the love of his wife June and daughter Micki Zurface Warren, her husband Brian of Blounts Creek, their three children: Keith Russell Warren, Gracie Michelle Warren and Leah Beth Warren, as well as his brother, Rossell Eugene Zurface and his girlfriend Stephanie Harrington of Raleigh, NC.

The abundance of love continues with Russell’s extended family: sister-in-law Annette Kelly and her husband Jim Kelly of Virginia Beach; brother-in-law Robert Rice and his wife Joyce Rice of Mount Olive; brother-in-law Jimmy Rice and his wife Annette Rice of Newport News, VA; and sister-in-law Paulette Rice of Washington. Russell’s beloved nieces and nephews include: Kathy Davis and her husband Mike Davis of Chesapeake, VA; Karen Kelly and her husband Gary Johnson of Blounts Creek; Roberta Guimond and her husband Scott Guimond of Virginia Beach; Robbie Rice and his wife Elizabeth Rice of Grimesland; Jonathan Rice of Hampton, VA; Leigh Barefoot and Johnny Barefoot of Poquoson, VA; Kristi Pease of Chesapeake, VA; Jennifer Rice and Scott Maready of Grifton; Tim Rice and his wife Samantha Rice of Washington; and very special friends Barbara and Ladd Jones of Aurora.

Russell was predeceased by his sister Judy Zurface Moore, who also lost her battle with cancer. Russell Zurface was a jolly soul who lived a life full of love, adventure and good times and will be remembered forever in the hearts of those who loved him. All who knew Russell would relate to this: “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, our hearts are broken and we’ll miss you Russ.”

Memorial gifts may be given to Dublin Grove Free Will Baptist Church, 282 Peele Road, Aurora, NC 27806. There will be a private family distribution of ashes at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Russell’s family.