Wednesday, April 20, 2022 11:40 am

Russell "Cotton" Downey, age 77, of Rutherfordton, passed away April 15, 2022.

Russell was born December 22, 1944 in Rutherford County to the late Lewis Downey and Willie Lou Allen Downey. He was a graduate of R-S Central High School. Russell owned and operated Carolina Cars for over 20 years and worked for Eaton Industries. Russell attended Missionary Wesleyan Church of Forest City.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Janice Downey; infant twin sons, Roger and Randy Downey and brother, Kenneth Downey.

Left to cherish fond memories are son, Keith Downey (Caroline) and daughter, Sonya Greene (Shannon) all of Forest City; sister, Betty Norville (Norris) of Cane Creek; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held April 19, at Missionary Wesleyan Church with Rev. Jason Madison and Rev. Jerry Ruppe officiating.

Memorial donations requested to Hospice of Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.