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Russell “Russ” Muff, 94, died at home on Feb. 7, 2023, of old age complicated by a stroke, with daughters Marthe & Stephanie at his bedside.

Born and raised in Astoria, N.Y., he always loved the sea and spent many happy hours on the water as a boy, fishing and duck hunting. He was a competitive rower and won several awards as a teenager.

His occupational goal was a career in the Coast Guard and he served abord the ship “Eastwind” in the Greenland/Iceland area at the end of WWII.  An unfortunate shipboard accident left him badly injured and resulted in a Medical Discharge from the Coast Guard.

Back in civilian life, he returned to the boatbuilding trade and eventually became an owner/manager of Stirling Harbor Shipyard & Marina in Greenport, N.Y. He and his wife Rosemary moved to Florida after retirement, eventually joining their daughter Stephanie in North Carolina. Russ liked to say “I wasn’t born in the South, but I got here just as quick as I could.”

Russ was a man of many talents, an artist and fancy woodworker whose creations found their way around the world.

Although not a churchgoing man, he was deeply spiritual and got great satisfaction from painting signs and doing other volunteer work for several local churches.

Russ thoroughly enjoyed his neighbors and made friends easily (“There are no strangers, just friends I haven’t met yet.”).  While he was still able to get out and about, he enjoyed meeting new people and doing things with his friends here in Mocksville. Even after his physical health failed, he remained mentally sharp, busy with his hobbies and working to complete his college degree.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; and lost a sister to Covid.

Russ is survived by his daughters; several nephews; and lady-friend, Judy.

He will always be remembered for his generous spirit, friendship, and love of family.  Russ was the World’s Best Daddy to daughters, Stephanie, Marthe, and Alyson. We will miss you forever Daddy.

As per his request, there are no services scheduled at this time.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.