George “Poger” Russell, 80, of Newcastle, passed away on the morning of Jan. 30 at Chase Point Riverside in Damariscotta, with his family by his side. Born in Jefferson on May 24, 1931, he was the son of George A. and Hazel (Keyes) Russell.
George was born in Jefferson but moved with his family to North Newcastle at a very young age. He attended local schools and would go on to work several different jobs throughout the years. He would plow snow for local towns and drove the school bus occasionally, but his primary occupation, and love of his life, was farming.
When they say, “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” they couldn’t have described Poger and his love of farming any better. Together with his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Waltz) Russell, he ran the Dyers Valley Farm in Newcastle. Not just a job, but a way of life, he tended to the cows day and night.
Poger was a special man to so many people; he became a second father to many of the local children.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Frances Newell and Jeannie Erskine.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Russell of Newcastle; children, Elroy and wife Cindy, Arthur and wife Tyrell, Wanda Wilcox and husband Roger, Larry and wife Julie, and Dexter and wife Dee; brother, Charles and wife Lucy; sisters, Laurel (Poppy) Truchon, and Jackie House and husband Chick; grandchildren, Nicole, Brad, George, Sterling, Kyle, Megan, Heather, and Ben; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Time of visitation 5-7 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 2 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Funeral 1 p.m., Fri., Feb. 3, also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
